Many, many times I have spoken from Psalm 23 for funerals, graveside services, memorials for soldiers, for the families of departed saints from congregations where my family and I have served, etc. but this morning as I read the 23rd Psalm again, I was struck by the image of how the Lord remains with His people in the most serious of situations–in the presence of enemy forces.

Will we just slow down and ruminate on the profundity of this one line: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Ps 23:5a, ESV). Picture the contrasts set before us as readers.

David is a warrior/poet/military general/husband/father/sinner/saint and more. He has theological and military enemies. He knows spiritual warfare viscerally–in his bones.

And yet, God inspired David in order to teach David, and to teach all believers this great providential kindness and verity: God prepares a table before His people, even and especially in the presence of one’s enemies/God’s enemies.

Maybe it’s for someone else today, too, and not just myself alone, but I need to be reminded of this truth.