Abundant Provision

“Thou preparest (put in order) a table (a meal) before me in the presence of mine enemies…”

Psalm 23:5 (KJV) – brackets mine

Even though you may be going through the valley of the shadow of death, God is providing for you in full view of your enemies. Right in the middle of the chaos and attack, your Good Shepherd (John 10:11) is letting you know, and declaring to your enemies, that He is taking care of you. He is sending a message; a message that He favours you, loves you and that He is on your side! He is declaring His possession over you; that He is your Provider and He is declaring your victory.

Who are your enemies? Remember that we’re in a spiritual battle against demonic spirits, not against people (Ephesians 6:12). Your boss is not your enemy; neither is your mother-in-law, your neighbours, nor the government. The root of any problem that we have with people is the demonic spirits that are at work behind the scenes.

“Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack and eat.”

1 Peter 5:8 (ERV)

The devil is your enemy – He doesn’t want to see you succeed and he doesn’t want you to enjoy life nor eternity. “The devil’s work” is your enemy. Sin is your enemy. Everything that came in as a result of the fall of man (back in the Garden of Eden), including sickness, curses, poverty, depression – are all your enemies. And God prepares a feast of provision for you in full view of your enemies. The Message Bible says, “You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.” This speaks of abundant provision – it seems as if God is showing off the favour that He has for you.

“The Lord is my shepherd… You prepare a table before me…”

Psalm 23:1a, 5a

The Lord prepares a table before you. It’s “before you” which means that He doesn’t force it on you. He offers it to you. We have the choice to partake in the life and blessings of God, or not (Deuteronomy 30:19). Jesus is our answer for every attack that could come against us and He is more than willing and able to help us in our time of need, but we have to choose it.

The Lord prepares a table before you. It’s “the Lord’s table”, and I believe that this can also be speaking of communion. We partake of communion in remembrance of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:24) and what He did for us. We should also be remembering what we have in Christ, and it should activate our faith to receive. Communion reminds us of many things, but overall it reminds us of the victory that we have in Christ. Through Christ’s victory, we have access to a clean conscience (guilt-free living), righteousness, healing, provision, freedom and so much more. Partaking of communion is declaring the victory you have because of Jesus. And since the Lord set the table up for us, when we partake of it I believe He’s declaring His possession of us, over us; He is saying to our enemy (the devil): that child is mine!

Jesus’ victory is my victory! It doesn’t matter what attack the enemy throws my way, God has lavishly provided for me so that I can live in victory. As I focus on Jesus and His perfect finished work, my faith will be strengthened to receive what He has already freely given me. Even in the midst of difficult situations, I can rest in and feast on His abundant blessing and provision and favour offered to me.