Surrender My Defense to God

In review of Psalm 23:5 it says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (NIV).

Today’s verse from Psalm 23, reminds me that God will prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies and opposition. He honors me by anointing my head with oil. My cup will overflow with blessings.

King David knew what it meant to be attacked emotionally, verbally, and physically. As a young man, he was anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel, but Saul was still king. Even though David served him loyally, Saul was jealous of the future king, and he decided to kill him. David had to hide from Saul in caves while lies were being told about him across the kingdom. Yet, David never said a bad word against King Saul. He never retaliated, because God was preparing David to be a king who followed God’s heart.

David said, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5 NIV).

It doesn’t sound like David was stressed out. He didn’t have to use up all his energy defending himself because he trusted God to be his defender.

It will take a lot of faith and humility to rest and trust God when I’m under attack, when I’m misunderstood, and when rumors are spreading about me. When that happens, everything in me wants to rise up and do something about it. So how do I handle people who attack me? I don’t. I let God handle them. I Trust God to be my defender.

Not only does God want to defend me, but he also wants to fellowship with me: “You’ll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you. Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration” (Psalm 5:11 The Message).

This is a banquet, or a party, at an unlikely time, not just when good times are happening but when I’m under attack.

It’s as if God says, “I know you’re in the heat of the battle right now. You’re fighting for your job. You’re fighting for your health. You’re fighting for your sanity. You’re fighting for your dignity. While the battle is going on, I want to throw a banquet for you to offer just a little encouragement.” It’s a party in a combat zone. It’s a banquet on a battlefield.

As a child of God, my heavenly Father is proud of me. Critics may spite, slander, ignore, ridicule, or libel me, but they can’t stop God’s blessing on my life.

“He brought me to his banquet hall and raised the banner of love over me” (Song of Solomon 2:4 TEV).

Bottom Line:

God offers protection even when enemies surround us.

What this means to me:

God is always there for me, even when the odd are against me.

In summary, God is always there for me, even when the odds are against me. Regardless of what's happening to me, I need to serve loyally and never retaliate. God is preparing me for his purposes. God promises to be my defender. When I feel attacked, continue to do what I need to do, let God handle them.

Father I thank you for this reminder. Please send the Holy Spirit to remind me of this and to prepare me for when attacks against me are happening. I pray this morning Father for your continued wisdom and guidance to influence my life as I work on the tasks I have, as I lead my team and as I interact with others. I ask these things though you Son Jesus name, amen!