You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (Psalm 23:5, ESV)
The 18th hole is a slight dogleg left par five guarded by a stunning pond running from the tee to the green. It’s filled with 5-pound, big-mouth bass, but only the members know this. You’ve got one of the best rounds of the year going, and you smoke your tee ball down the left side of the fairway. After shooting the flag for distance, you’ve got 218 yards to the hole and 209 yards to cover the pond.
The best and most consistent club in your bag is your 5-wood. When you catch it solid, it’s your 200-yard club. You’re licking your chops because putting your second shot on the green gives you a chance at an eagle!
But there’s an obvious problem. Your 200-yard club can’t go 209 and clear the pond. “But if I get all of it, I can clear it!” There is zero chance of clearing the penalty area, and you know it, yet you hit the 5-wood anyway. Disaster ensues. Trying to hit it hard, you top it into the water: another poor swing, another ball in the drink. Several swings later, you make a nine. A great round was blown by attempting the impossible.
In Psalm 23, David offers words of confidence, calmness, and faith as he looks to the Father. Psalm 23 is “the pearl of Psalms” (Spurgeon) and a great source of comfort for Christ-followers for centuries.
David says in verse five, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” In daily living and in the face of the enemy, the Lord shows his faithfulness and presence. At least two place settings are laid out when a table is set.
David confesses that the enemy is at the door, but the Lord blesses David through His presence and provision. It is a beautiful and glorious picture of a Shepherd-King caring for His own.
So, why would we allow the enemy to take the seat of our Shepherd? Just as the decision to hit the 5-wood was foolish and disastrous, even more, is the decision to allow Satan into your life.
The Shepherd doesn’t prepare the table for you and Satan! Scripture is clear. The enemy is a liar who will stop at nothing to tempt you into poor decisions and self-defeating mindsets, making you afraid, angry, anxious, or defeated.
“It is too easy for Satan to weasel his way into a seat at the table intended only for you and your King” (Giglio). We must not allow the enemy to weasel in. Your Shepherd-King desires your holiness and commands us to give no opportunity to the devil (Ephesians 4:27).
It is impossible to fellowship with Satan and be a follower of Christ (see John 8). Avoid the impossible. Avoid the inevitable disaster of giving Satan access. Enjoy the provision and safety of your Shepherd-King.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for allowing Satan at the table you have prepared for me. Forgive me for my apathy. May I never again let Satan have presence or dominion in my life, and may my life be about you and no other.