You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  Psalm 23:5

There are two incredible things about these words.  1.) God, Himself, is setting a table for me.  And 2.) The feast is available while in the company of enemies. 

The Shepherd’s sumptuous meal is available no matter the season.  When I’m resting, there’s green grass to nibble on.  When I’m working, there’s fuel for my labor.  When I’m with kindred spirits, there’s fodder for rich conversation.  And when I’m with enemies, there’s a banquet while in hostile territory. 

The thing is ~ it’s the same Word ~ with the same power ~ from the same Shepherd.  What changes are my circumstances and degrees of spiritual hunger.

Do my enemies discern that such a spiritual meal exists?  Yes, and it confounds them.  If their intent is to bruise, even cripple, it frustrates them.  If they have inexhaustible energy to criticize and try to steal my joy, it confounds them when I sing through the pain.  They wonder why I don’t give up, why I’m not bitter, why I’ve not conceded in the battle, and why I have the strength to keep going when human strength should long have been exhausted.  While they may not actually see the banquet table, they know it’s there because they see its rejuvenating effects in me.

A few will lay down their weapons when they understand that this Shepherd is inviting them into the sheepfold.  For those who will repent to shelter in Christ, there is one thing we will all hold in common.  At one time, we were all enemies of the Shepherd.  And now, all His friends.   

Lord, the arrows may fly, but I smell the bread baking. Amen