Enjoying The Banquet

While studying about the peace of God this morning, I had another thought based on Psalm 23.  Verse five says that “You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch…”  (God’s Word Version)  This scripture produces a vivid picture in my mind’s eye of a soldier sitting down at a large dining table in the middle of a great battle field, while the large enemy force that is surrounding him watches with weapons drawn.  The interesting part of this scene is that the soldier at the table seems to not have a care in the world, as he partakes of the scrumptious feast.

How can this individual act with this seemingly bizarre and nonchalant attitude that contradicts all the known battle strategies?  It is simply because he has turned the care of his needs unto the Lord.  In I Samuel 17:47 a young shepherd boy by the name of David fearlessly went out to face a Philistine giant named Goliath.  As he approached the warrior he loudly proclaimed before both the assembled armies that “this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.”  (King James Version)  His confidence in the Lord’s abilities gave him the courage required for the situation and the resulting victory over the overwhelming odds.

The soldier I mention sitting down to a feast in the presence of his enemies is like the confidence, trust and peace that we can have in our daily lives as we learn about, and then walk in the abilities of the Lord on our behalf.  It is a peace that the Contemporary English Version says that “no one can completely understand.”  (Philippians 4:7)  It defies a normal reaction to the circumstances that we are presented with everyday.  It is a supernatural override of a natural response.  It is the way our heavenly Father desires us to live!  It is the response that will always put us ahead and not behind!  (see Deuteronomy 28:13)

What an exciting way to live!  What an example we can be to those around us!  Think about it…  Take a chance… Step out in faith and trust Him to be true to His Word today.  Then step up to the table and enjoy the indescribable meal that is set before you.  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What are you expecting today?”