Psa 23:5  “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” [We think of peace as being the absence of any threat, but you give us a different perspective. A sumptuous table set on the lawn, decked out elegantly, filled with delicious food, ready for the guests. And on the edges of the lawn are a roaring lion, a growling bear, a prowling tiger, a slinking jaguar and a menacing rogue elephant trumpeting his anger. The sight and sound of any one of these is enough to strike fear in the heart.

Yet there stands Jesus, calm, quiet, smiling. He calls us to the table and motions for us to sit down. The threatening roars and growls increase, but our enemies dare not come close when the All-mighty Shepherd is there. As we turn our focus to Him, the threat, the noise, the fear all fade. Peace comes because of His presence, contingent not on the absence of danger but the absolute power of Christ. We eat in peace, enjoying His company, our conversation and the feast provided by His hand.]

“You anoint my head with oil;” [This is the act of choosing, of giving worth, of blessing, of providing.

You chose me before the foundation of the world.

You poured out your Spirit on me at the point of belief.

You sealed my adoption as your son by pouring your Spirit into me.

You continually pour out  blessings of grace, goodness, strength, wisdom, weakness and power.

Every day You provide me with protection, guidance, insight, provision, goods, money, relationships, opportunity to give you glory, chances to share your Word, time to be with you, enough health to serve you and most of all your presence and love.

You are most generous, especially when we think of what I actually deserve: condemnation, rejection, punishment, suffering, pain, failure, separation and eternal death.

“my cup overflows.” [You promise that my needs will be met, but you give far more. Nothing I have can contain the blessings you pour out, your gifts that overflow so I can share them with those around me.

Some of these gifts are joy, praise, peace, insight, wisdom, strength, faith, vision, love, grace and goodness. Along with these are material gifts, also to be shared with others.

Praise you for what you will do today and in the coming days, Lord Jesus, and for how we will be able to trust you in everything that comes because you are absolutely trustworthy and unchanging in your generosity and grace.

We bow before you in belief, exalting your high and holy Name. We rise up in faith, trusting in your goodness and wisdom, offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving so that we may honor you and open the way that you may show us the salvation of the Lord. Glory be to you in our lives today!]