Today's Verse: Psalm 23:5

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
— Psalm 23:5
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our verse from the beautiful and comforting twenty-third psalm contains this stunning image of our Shepherd preparing us a victory dinner table in the presence of our vanquished enemies. While the enemies of the righteous may flourish for a season, God will lavish his love and show his favor on the righteous. As the apostle Paul reminded his dear friends in Philippi, their prayers and the work of the Holy Spirit guaranteed his deliverance: he would either be delivered from prison and death to serve them again, or he would be delivered from prison through death to be with the Father in glory (Philippians 3:19-21). Either way, God's righteous will get a banquet, a place of honor, and a royal welcome that will vindicate their faithfulness before those who oppose them. Our Shepherd will prepare a victory banquet for us, while the evil one and his minions will be cast out in horror forever, as we share in Jesus' victory forever.

My Prayer...

Father, King of the ages, I do believe that you will throw a party in our honor and treat us as your royal children worthy of great honor - to sit at your table in glory. Thank you for this promise. Thank you for the assurance of our ultimate vindication and victory. Thank you for making my life overflow with your love and grace, both now and forever. In Jesus' name we praise you! Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Table Before Me
Illustration of Psalm 23:5
Inspirational illustration of Psalm 23:5 -- You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
The Good Shepherd
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Few passages of Scripture were more beloved in My time on earth than the twenty-third Psalm. Like in your day, many found great..."
The Lord is Near
Article by Phil Ware
The Lord longs to be near us when we feel most alone, especially in our last journey through the valley of shadows. Phil Ware reminds us that in our darkest times the Lord, our good Shepherd, wants to be near us and make his presence known to us.
With Arms Uplifted and On Our Knees
Article by Phil Ware
God is faithful to us through all the seasons of our lives. He isn't a fair-weather God. Phil Ware invites us to share in prayer in all the seasons of life and especially know we have an all-season God who longs to hear our prayers, especially prayers for a change in our world's messes.
See All 6 Related Resources about Psalm 23:5

Illustration

Illustration of Psalm 23:5 — You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'My Soul Praises the Lord'
"Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Savior of the World'
"Dear Beloved, The Father loves you so much that He sent Me to your world to show you His love. The goal of God's love is your salvation —..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Extinguishing Evil' (Co. 3:5-17)
"Dear Father, Help me put to death certain things in my life that are earthly - inward evils ranging from impurity to covetousness. Most of all, may I..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Kind Hospitality' (Acts 28:1-2)
"[Luke reported that the ship carrying Paul was abandoned as it broke up in the storm and that all the passengers, prisoners, sailors, and officers..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse