PSALM 23
Chapter 1: The Psalm of the Shepherd – Understanding the Context.
Chapter 2: "The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want" – The Secret of Provision.
Chapter 3: “He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures” – The Secret of Rest.
Chapter 4: “He Leads Me Beside Still Waters” – The Secret of Peace.
Chapter 5: “He Restores My Soul” – The Secret of Healing.
Chapter 6: “He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness for His Name’s Sake” – The Secret of Divine Direction.
Chapter 7: “Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death…” – The Secret of Courage.
Chapter 8: “Your Rod and Your Staff, They Comfort Me” – The Secret of God’s Discipline and Protection.
Chapter 9: “You Prepare a Table Before Me in the Presence of My Enemies” – The Secret of Victory.
Chapter 10: “You Anoint My Head with Oil, My Cup Overflows” – The Secret of Divine Favor.
Chapter 11: “Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me” – The Secret of God’s Unstoppable Blessings.
Chapter 12: “I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever” – The Secret of Eternal Security.
Conclusion: The Shepherd Who Never Leaves.
The Secret of Psalm 23 that will change your life forever. Most people miss this.
Hey there friend, I need to ask you something.
How many times have you heard Psalm 23?
Maybe you grew up hearing it in church.
Or maybe it was read at a funeral.
Or maybe you've even memorized it, saying it in times of trouble, hoping for comfort.
But let me tell you something.
There's a hidden secret inside Psalm 23 that most people completely miss.
A truth so powerful, so life-changing that when you see, it it will shift the way you see God forever.
You might be thinking, wait, isn't Psalm 23 just about God being Our Shepherd.
Yes it is, but there's more.
So much more. What if I told you that hidden within these six short verses is the key to living with peace in chaos, strength in weakness, and hope in uncertainty.
What if I told you that understanding this one Psalm, the way God intended could completely transform your relationship with him.
Most people read Psalm 23 as a comforting poem, something nice to say when life gets hard.
But David was not just writing pretty words.
He was revealing a deep spiritual reality about who God is and how God works in our lives.
A reality that most of us never truly grasp.
So today, we're going to unlock the hidden power of Psalm 23.
And by the end of this prayer you're going to see it in a way you never have before.
I believe with all my heart that if you let this truth sink in, it will change your life.
Are you ready?
Let's dive in, right here and now. Chapter by chapter.
Chapter 1: The Psalm of the Shepherd - Understanding the Context.
All right. Before we dive deep into the hidden secret of Psalm 23, we need to step back and understand the context.
Because context changes everything.
Who wrote Psalm 23?
Psalm 23 was written by King David.
Yes, the same David who fought Goliath, the same David who became king and the same David who messed up big time.
But was still called a man after God's Own Heart.
But here is what most people don't think about.
Before David was a king, he was a shepherd.
He spent years in the fields, tending to sheep, protecting them from lions and bears, guiding them, caring for them.
So when David calls God his Shepherd, he's not just using a random metaphor.
He's speaking from deep personal experience.
David knew firsthand what it meant to be a shepherd and more.
More importantly he knew what it meant to be a sheep, completely dependent on the one leading him.
The cultural and biblical importance of shepherds shepherding was a big deal .
In ancient Israel, sheep were valuable, providing wool, milk, and sometimes sacrifices for worship.
But sheep are also completely helpless without a Shepherd.
They wander off.
They get stuck.
They don't know where to find food or water.
And they have no way to defend themselves.
That is why shepherds were not just caretakers, they were protectors, providers, and leaders.
They had to be strong, yet, gentle.
Always watching over their flock.
Always ready to fight off predators.
Sound familiar.
That is exactly how God watches over us.
Why does God call himself a Shepherd?
All throughout scripture, God refers to himself as a shepherd; Psalm 103 , we are his people, the sheep of his pasture; Isaiah 40:11 , he tends his flock like a shepherd.
He gathers the lambs in his arms, Ezekiel 34: verses 11 to12, I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.
And, of course, Jesus himself said in John 10:11, I am the Good Shepherd.
Why? Because we like sheep are helpless without him.
We get lost.
We fall.
We make bad decisions.
We run toward danger without realizing it.
We need a Shepherd.
The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep: a Shepherd doesn't just own the sheep.
He knows them personally.
He calls them by name. John 10:3
He speaks and they recognize his voice.
And the best part the shepherd is not just watching from a distance.
He walks with them.
David knew that kind of relationship with God.
And that is why when he wrote Psalm 23, he was not writing about a distant impersonal God.
He was writing about the God who walks beside him, leads him, protects him, and provides for him.
So when David opens with the words, the Lord is my shepherd, he is not making a poetic statement.
He is making a declaration of trust.
And that my friend, is where the hidden secret of Psalm 23 begins.
Now let's dive into the first verse and unlock the secret of divine provision.
Chapter 2.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
The secret of provision.
Chapter 2: "The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want"- The Secret of Provision.
All right.
Let's get real.
How often do we feel like we're lacking something.
Maybe it's money.
Maybe it's direction.
Maybe it's love, peace, or just a sense of purpose.
More everything.
And when we do not have it, we feel stressed, anxious and restless.
But then David writes something radical.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Wait a minute, you mean, if God is my shepherd, I don't have to want anything.
No more worrying.
No more lack.
Yes, but not in the way you might think.
What does I shall not want really mean.
David is not saying, I'll get everything I want.
He is saying, because God is my shepherd, I have everything I need.
Big difference.
The Hebrew word for want in this verse is לחסר lechser which means to lack , decrease or be without.
David is saying if God is my shepherd, I will never lack what is truly necessary for me.
That means if you need peace, God provides it.
If you need strength, God supplies it.
If you need wisdom, Gode gives it.
If you need provision, God is faithful to provide.
God is not just a provider, he is the provider.
God's provision in the Bible is full of stories of God showing up and providing exactly what his people need.
Sometimes, in the most unexpected way.
• Manna in the wilderness.
Exodus 16 ; when the Israelites had no food, God literally rained down bread from Heaven.
• Elijah and the Ravens.
First Kings 17 ; God sent birds to bring food to Elijah during a drought.
• Jesus feeding the 5,000.
Matthew 14 ; Five loaves and two fish, not a problem when God is in charge.
God has never failed to provide and he is not going to start now.
The problem, we doubt the Shepherd .
The reason many of us feel like we lack is because we don't fully trust the Shepherd.
We stress about money instead of believing he will provide.
We worry about the future instead of trusting his guidance.
We chase after things thinking they'Il fulfill us instead of resting in what God has already given.
It is like a sheep wandering away from the pasture thinking it will find better food on its own.
But what happens, it gets lost hungry and vulnerable.
The best place a sheep can be is close to the shepherd.
And the best place you can be is trusting in the Lord.
How do we walk in God's provision?
So how do we move from worrying about what we lack to walking in confidence that God will provide.
One: Recognize that God knows what you need before you even ask.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:8, your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
(Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.)
Two: pray with expectation .
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving and trust that his peace will guard our hearts .
Three: seek first his kingdom .
Matthew 6:33, seek first the the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things will be added to you.
Four: rest in his timing.
Sometimes God's provision isn't immediate but it's always on time.
His delays are not his denials.
The hidden secret your Shepherd is enough.
Here's the real secret.
God himself is your provision.
When David says, "I shall not want ( to lack)", he's not just talking about things.
He's saying as long as I have God, I have all I need.
And friend, that's the truth for you, too.
You do not have to chase after the things of this world to feel secure.
You don't have to worry about tomorrow.
Your Shepherd is already ahead of you making sure you have everything you need.
So take a deep breath, trust him and know that you are never without because your Shepherd is always with you .
Chapter 3: "He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures" - The Secret of Rest.
Let's be honest.
Most of us don't know how to rest.
We live in a world that glorifies hustle, work harder, do more, keep pushing, stay busy.
And even when we do take a break, our minds are still racing with worries, bills, deadlines, relationships, the future.
But here's the question.
If we serve an all powerful God, why are we so restless.
David writes in Psalm 23:2, he makes me lie down in green pastures.
That sounds peaceful, right.
But there is something deeper here.
A hidden spiritual truth that most people overlook.
Why do sheep struggle to lie down.
If you know anything about sheep, you know they don't just lie down easily.
In fact, a sheep will only lie down when four things are true.
One, they are free from fear.
Sheep are easily frightened.
The tiniest disturbance, a shadow, a strange noise, will keep them on edge.
Two, they are free from tension.
Sheep have a hierarchy.
If there is conflict among them, they'll stay restless.
Three, they are free from hunger.
A hunger, angry sheep is a restless sheep.
Four, they are free from pests. Flies and parasites constantly irritate sheep making it impossible for them to relax.
Do you see where l'm going with this.
God wants to lead you into true rest.
But many of us are spiritually restless because we are full of fear, worried about the future.
We are full of tension, holding on to grudges, and unforgiveness.
We are spiritually hungry starving for God's presence.
We are distracted, irritated by the constant noise of life.
So what does God do?
He makes me lie down, the gift of forced rest.
Notice that David says, "He makes me lie down."
Sometimes, God has to force us into rest.
Think about it.
How many times has God slowed you down.
Maybe it was through a season of waiting.
Maybe it was a sickness, a job loss, or a door that didn't open.
At the time, it felt frustrating.
But what if God was actually leading you to rest.
God does not force rest because he's cruel.
He does it because he loves you.
He knows that without it, you'll burn out.
The secret of rest, trusting the shepherd.
Here is the real secret.
Rest is not just about stopping.
It is about trusting.
Sheep only lie down when they feel safe in the presence of their Shepherd.
In the same way, we will never experience true rest until we learn to trust that God is in control .
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden. And I will give you rest."
That's a promise.
You don't have to carry everything alone.
So, today whatever is keeping you restless; your fears, your burdens, your stress, give it to God.
Let him lead you to green pastures.
Let him be your rest because when you are in the hands of the Good Shepherd you can finally breathe knowing that you are safe.
Chapter 4: "He Leads Me Beside Still Waters" — The Secret of Peace.
Okay, picture this.
You're standing next to a still, calm lake.
No waves.
No chaos.
Just perfect stillness.
That is the image David paints in Psalm 23:2, when he writes, he leads me beside still waters.
It sounds peaceful right but there's a hidden meaning in this verse that most people miss.
And once you see it, it will change the way you experience peace.
Why sheep needs still waters?
Sheep are naturally afraid of fast moving water.
If a sheep falls into rushing water, its wool gets heavy and it can drown quickly.
So a Good Shepherd doesn't lead his sheep to dangerous rushing streams.
He finds calm Quiet Waters, where sheep can drink safely.
What does this mean for us?
Most of us are drowning in rushing waters, right now.
The rushing waters of anxiety , worrying about things we can't control.
The rushing waters of busyness.
Always moving, never stopping.
The rushing waters of social media, news and opinions.
Constant noise, no peace.
And yet David says, "he leads me beside still waters."
God doesn't want you to live in constant anxiety.
He wants to lead you into peace.
Jesus The Living Water that quenches our souls.
In John 4, Jesus meets a woman at a well and tells her, "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst again."
What was he saying, the world offers temporary relief.
Money, success, relationships, entertainment.
But none of it truly satisfies.
Only Jesus can give us the peace that lasts.
That is why Philippians 4:7 says, "and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
That is the secret.
How do we walk in God's peace?
If you're struggling to find peace, here is what you need to do.
• One, let the shepherd lead you.
Peace is not found by chasing things.
It's found by following Jesus.
• Two, be still and know he is God.
Psalm 46:10 states, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
This verse encourages a pause in human striving to recognize God's sovereignty and power.
Sometimes the reason we do not feel peace is because we never stop to listen to his voice.
• Three, pray about everything.
Philippians 4:6 , Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Anxiety fades when we bring everything to God in prayer.
• Four, trust that God is in control.
The world is chaotic but God never changes.
If he is leading you, you can walk in peace even in the storm.
The hidden secret peace is not the absence of problems, it's the presence of God.
Here's the truth: peace is not found in perfect circumstances. It is found in a perfect Shepherd.
That is why Jesus could sleep through a storm.
That is why Paul could sing in prison.
That is why David could write ✍️ these words even in the middle of battles.
Because peace isn't about what's happening around you.
It's about who is leading you.
And if the Lord is your Shepherd, you don't have to fear the storm.
You don't have to live in anxiety.
You don't have to let the chaos control you.
You can walk in peace knowing that the Good Shepherd is leading you to still waters.
So today you can take a deep breath, let go of the stress.
Let God lead you because his peace is waiting for you.
Chapter 5: "He Restores My Soul" - The Secret of Healing.
Let's be real.
Life breaks us.
We go through disappointments, heartbreak 💔 , betrayal and loss.
Some of us are carrying wounds from years ago.
Wounds no one else sees.
We smile on the outside but inside we feel tired, empty, drained.
But then David writes these powerful words in Psalm 23:3 ; he restores my soul.
Not I restore myself.
Not life will fix me.
He restores my soul.
What does that mean?
It means that only God can bring true healing.
No amount of money, success, relationships or self-help can do what the Shepherd does.
What does restore mean ?
The Hebrew word for Restore is לְשַׁחְזֵר ( leshoachzer ) which means to bring back, to refresh, to repair.
It's the picture of a sheep that has wandered off and gotten stuck, exhausted or even fallen over and can't get back up.
Ever feel like that?
Like life knocked you down.
And no matter how hard you try, you can't get back up.
Here is the good news.
The Shepherd doesn't leave you there.
He comes after you.
He lifts you up.
He restores you.
Biblical stories of restoration.
The Bible is full of broken people that God restored:
• Joseph betrayed by his brothers. Thrown into a pit. Sold into slavery and falsely accused. But God restored him. Making him a ruler in Egypt.
• A man named Job. He lost everything, lost his children , lost his wealth, lost his health. But God restored him. Giving him twice as much as he had before.
• Peter denied Jesus three times. He felt like a failure. But Jesus restored him. Turning him into the leader of the early church.
If God restored them, he can restore you, too.
How does God restore us?
• One, through his presence.
Psalm 16:11; in your presence there is fullness of joy
Psalm 16:11
ESV
You make known to me the path of life;in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
NIV
You make known to me the path of life;you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
NASB
You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
CSB
You reveal the path of life to me;in your presence is abundant joy;at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
NLT
You will show me the way of life,granting me the joy of your presenceand the pleasures of living with you forever.
KJV
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
NKJV
You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
When we spend time with God, he refreshes our weary souls.
See through his word, Psalm 19:7; the law of the Lord is perfect Reviving The Soul .
Psalm 19:7 states that "the law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." This verse emphasizes the perfection and reliability of God's law, which provides guidance and wisdom.
God's word has the power to heal, to bring life where there was brokenness.
• Three, through his grace
In Isaiah 61:3; to give them Beauty for Ashes, the oil of joy for mourning,
Isaiah 61:3 speaks about God's promise to comfort those who mourn, offering them beauty instead of ashes, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of despair. This verse symbolizes transformation and hope, highlighting God's compassion and the renewal He brings to those in sorrow.
Isaiah 61:3 (New International Version):
³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
God takes our broken pieces and turns them into something beautiful.
The hidden secret.
Your past does not define you.
God's restoration does define you.
You may feel broken.
You may feel like you've messed up too much.
But hear me, God is not done with you.
If you are still breathing then God is still restoring.
He is still working.
He is still healing.
Now, let the Shepherd restore your soul, today.
Chapter 6: "He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness for His Name's Sake" — The Secret of Divine Direction.
Do you ever felt lost, like you don't know what step to take next, like you're standing at a crossroads wondering, "God which way do I go?"
We all face seasons where we need direction.
And here's the beautiful promise of Psalm 23:3.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Not I figure it out on my own.
Not I hope l make the right choice.
He leads me.
What are Paths of righteousness.
In Hebrew, נתיבי צדק (nativi tzdak), this phrase means right paths or correct ways.
It's not just about moral goodness.
It is about God leading us on the best path.
Path for our lives.
And here's the secret.
The right path is not always the easy path.
Sometimes the right path includes trials.
Sometimes the right path requires waiting.
Sometimes the right path doesn't make sense in the present moment.
But if God is leading you, you can trust it is the best way.
How does God lead us?
• One, through his word.
Psalm 119:105 your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
If you want to know God's Direction, start with what he's already said.
Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path," emphasizing that God's teachings provide guidance and direction in life. This verse highlights the importance of relying on Scripture for clarity and wisdom in decision-making.
• Two, through the Holy Spirit
John 16:13, the spirit of truth will guide you into all truth.
The Holy Spirit speaks to us.
Nudges us, convicts us, and guides us in daily decisions.
• Three, through wise counsel
Proverbs 11:14, where there is no guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance, stating that without counsel, a nation falls, but victory is achieved through many advisers. This verse highlights the value of collective wisdom in decision-making.
For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers.
God often speaks through wise mentors, pastors and godly friends.
• Four, through open and close doors
Revelation 3:7 , what he opens, no one can shut and what he shuts, no one can open .
Sometimes God leads by closing doors that aren't meant for us and opening doors we never expected.
What if I've taken the wrong path.
Maybe you're thinking 🤔 but what if I've already made wrong choices.
Here's the good news.
God is the God of redemption.
He can take your wrong turns and still get you to the right destination.
Romans 8:28, all things work together for good for those who love God
Think about a GPS*.
Even if you take a wrong turn, it recalculates and still gets you where you need to go.
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that provides real-time location and time information anywhere on Earth. It consists of a network of satellites that transmit signals to GPS receivers, allowing users to determine their precise geographic location.
God does the same with your life.
The hidden secret, your purpose is bigger than you notice.
The last part of the verse, for his name's sake, this isn't just about you.
God's path for your life is not just for your happiness.
It's for his glory.
He leads you because your life is meant to reflect his goodness.
When people see your story , your struggles, your victories, your growth, they should see God's hand at work.
So, today wherever you are, whether you feel lost or uncertain, trust that the Shepherd is leading you.
You don't have to figure it all out.
You just have to follow him.
Chapter 7: "Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.." — The Secret of Courage.
Let's be real.
Life is not all always green pastures and still waters.
There are times when we find ourselves in the middle of a dark valley, a season of pain, loss, uncertainty and fear.
And in those moments, it's easy to ask God where are you.
But David makes a radical statement in Psalm 23:4, "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."
Wait, did you catch that David doesn't say, God will keep me from the valley.
He says, even though I walk through it, I will fear no evil.
The reality of valleys.
Here's something most people don't want to hear.
God never promised that life would be free of valleys.
Jesus himself said in John 16:33, "in this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.
Valleys are part of life but here's the secret.
Valleys are also where God does his greatest work in us.
What is the valley of the shadow of death?
The phrase shadow of death in Hebrew צל המוות is (tzel hamooot) which means deep Darkness.
It represents the hardest seasons of life.
The valley of sickness.
The valley of financial struggle.
The valley of depression.
The valley of grief.
The valley of fear.
But notice something, it's not the Valley of Death.
It is the valley of the shadow of death.
A shadow can't hurt you.
It may seem terrifying but it has no real power.
And if there is a shadow, what does that mean?
It means there must be a light nearby.
Even in your darkest valley, God's light is still Shining.
His presence is still with you.
How do we face valleys without fear?
David says, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Courage does not come from avoiding valleys.
Courage comes from knowing who is walking with you.
"Fear not, it is I", says the Lord.
Daniel was in the Lion's Den but God was there. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in the fire but God was there with them.
Paul and and Silas were in prison but God was there with them.
And right now, in your valley, God is there with you.
He doesn't leave you in the darkness.
He walks with you through it.
The hidden secret, the valley is temporary.
David says, even though I walk through the valley, you are not stuck here .
You are passing through .
Psalm 30:5 says, we may last through the night but joy comes in the morning.
Whatever valley you are in today, it will not last forever.
God is leading you through it and on the other side there's victory.
Chapter 8: "Your Rod and Your Staff, They Comfort Me" — The Secret of God's Discipline and Protection.
At first glance, this verse doesn't seem comforting at all.
A rod.
A staff.
Isn't that for discipline?
Why would David say that brings him comfort?
Because here is the hidden secret.
God's discipline and protection are not signs of his anger.
They are proof of his love.
The rod , God's protection.
The rod was a heavy club that a shepherd carried to fight off predators.
When a wild wolf or a fierce lion tried to attack the sheep, the shepherd used the rod to defend them.
What does this mean for us?
God fights for us.
Isaiah 54:17, " no weapon formed against you shall
prosper."
Exodus 14:14, " The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
When the enemy comes against you, God steps in.
He will save and protect you from the attack.
Exodus 14:14 states, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and remaining calm in difficult situations.
The staff, God's Guidance.
The staff was a long stick with a curved end that the shepherd used to guide and rescue the sheep.
Sometimes a sheep would wander off and the shepherd would use the staff to pull it back.
Other times, the shepherd would use the staff to gently nudge the sheep in the right direction.
What does this mean for us?
God's guidance is always leading us to safety.
Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and he will make your path straight."
Psalm 328, " I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go."
(I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.)
Sometimes God nudges us through conviction, that feeling in your heart when you know you're drifting off track .
Other times, God pulls us back through correction.
What if I don't like God's correction?
Let's be honest.
None of us like being corrected.
Stand to be corrected, humble yourself in the sight of the Lord.
But Hebrews 12:6 says, "the Lord disciplines the one he loves."
A good parent does not let their child run into the street.
A shepherd does not let his sheep wander off a cliff.
And God does not let us destroy ourselves.
His correction is not punishment.
It iss protection.
The hidden secret — God's discipline is a sign that you belong to him.
When David says "your rod and your staff, they comfort me", he's saying, I'm comforted because I know you are fighting for me.
I'm comforted because I know you are leading me.
I'm comforted because l know you love me enough to correct me.
So, instead of resisting God's discipline, we should thank him for it.
Because if God is correcting you that means he still has a plan for you.
Today, if you're in a valley, know that God is walking with you.
If you feel attacked, know that God is fighting for you.
And if you're being corrected, know that God is protecting you from something greater.
That's the secret of Psalm 23.
It is not just about peace and provision.
It is about a Shepherd who never leaves you, no matter where you are.
Chapter 9: "You Prepare a Table Before Me in the Presence of My Enemies" — The Secret of Victory.
All right, let's be honest.
Life sometimes feels like a constant battle people turn against you you face opposition at work in your relationships
and even in your own mind the enemy Whispers lies of fear
doubt and discouragement but in the middle of all of that David writes this incredible
statement you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies Psalm 23-5 wait what God prepares a table right in front of the enemy why would he do that and what does it mean for us the meaning of the table in biblical times O
king preparing a banquet for someone was a symbol of favor honor and
protection David is saying even when my enemies surround me God is still
blessing me the hidden secret your enemies can't stop your blessing
notice something powerful here God doesn't remove the enemies he doesn't
stop the opposition instead He blesses you in front of them why because your enemies
have no power over what God is doing in your life Joseph's brothers tried to destroy
him but God raised him up in Egypt Daniel's enemies tried to throw him to the Lions but God shut the mouths of the
Lions Jesus enemies thought they won at the cross but 3 days later he walked out
of the Grave your enemies can't cancel what God has prepared for you why does God let
our enemies watch because your Victory is part of your testimony God wants people to see what
he's doing in your life why so they know who is really in
control so they see his faithfulness so they understand that
nothing can stop God's plans that's why Isaiah 54:17 says no weapon formed
