Certain scriptures demand more than a cursory acquaintance. Our text for today is one of such.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5 NLT

Is the presence of the enemies the safest logical place to prepare a feast and honour someone you love, except where you have superior deterrent counter measures! Wouldn’t the honoree have mixed feelings, except he has confidence in the ability of the one honouring him to keep him alive and safe?

David had sufficiently experienced the Lord’s power to deliver and to save, penned this down in Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music…Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:1-6; 13-14 (NLT)

Can you picture yourself in this mode of confidence in the Lord? David’s confidence goes deeper as expressed in Psalm 119:143

Afflictions and distresses found me: but thy commandments were my meditation. Psalm 119:143 (LXX)

that when they (afflictions and distresses) come and find you, your attention should be in the sufficiency of His word (Isaiah 26:3; 40:31)

The same Lord that was with David is also with you, so declare boldly until your spirit finds rest in the words of Psalm 24:7-8, therefore so lift up you head O ye gates and let the King of glory come in, and who is the King of glory? The Lord mighty in battle.

Remember the place of praise and worship as complementary armour (Psalm 149:4-9). Shalom.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele