Victory, Rest & Favor in Every Battle: Claiming the Promise of Protection in the 23rd Psalm

“…You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…”

The word table used here refers to the high, flat-topped plateaus so much sought after by shepherds for their time in the mountain country during the summer with their flocks.

These areas are intended to be places of rest and recovery after taxing climbs. They are necessary stops to insure the overall health of the sheep during what can be a demanding and rigorous trek.

To insure the best experience for those following him, the thoughtful shepherd had already visited these areas, going before the sheep preparing for their stay. He is careful to know the lay of the land before the first one arrives. The good shepherd had already cleaned out the water holes, springs, and drinking places for those he led. He has done the hard work of removing poisonous plants and other harmful vegetation that might harm or sicken the flock in any way. This is part of his overall plan for grazing during their stay.

Their safety is also of primary concern while staying out in the open. Predators are known to watch from the surrounding high cliffs hoping for an opportunity to prey on the innocent and especially those who might stray from the group.

The shepherd familiarizes himself with any footprints or signs of the ever-present dangers of cougars, wolves, coyotes, and bears hoping for a swift attack. It is only his preparation for such an eventuality that can possibly save a sheep from being panicked and slaughtered by their predators.

The message is clear for believers. Our Shepherd wants to preempt any disaster for those He loves. He wants our times in the high country to be enjoyed in peace—perfect peace. And we will be at peace if we have the sense to draw near and stay near Him where He can protect us. Following the One who is wisdom to us (1 Corinthians 1:30) can be the difference as we travel among our enemies. And if we are suddenly surprised by the thief, we can be certain that there is One who fights for us who has overcome all the world. We can be confident that He will bring help, healing, restoration, and recovery.

Psalm 91:2-3

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

Psalm 91:9-16

9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12 In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.”

We happen to enjoy the distinct advantage of having the Leader who not only provides the best in thoughtful oversight but unmatched foresight as well. Hindsight works to explain the mistake. Oversight sorts it out. And foresight prevents it (Proverbs 22:3).

“…you anoint my head with oil…”

Keller says, “In the words of the experienced sheepman that summer time is fly time.” Hordes of insects emerge with the arrival of warm weather. Their attacks on the sheep can turn from constant aggravation to deadly if they go unchecked.

Of particular significance is the nose or nasal fly. These small flies hover around the heads of the sheep seeking to lay their eggs in the soft membranes of their noses. If they are successful, the hatched larvae make their way further up into the nasal passage and burrow into the flesh causing intense pain and inflammation. Sheep have been known to take their own lives because of the constant irritation.

Another enemy threatening the overall health of the flock was scab. Scab is a very contagious disease most often transmitted from one sheep to the other as they rubbed their heads together. For the Hebrew people, the presence of scab was a major consideration when examining a lamb deemed for sacrifice. Remember a sacrifice lamb had to be without spot or blemish.

The preemptive remedy for both of these infestations was a special blend of olive oil mixed with sulfur and spices. The timely and consistent application of this oil mix was enough to prevent disease and its spread and ward off the attacks of the many small, winged adversaries.

As Christians, we have literally been “smeared” with oil in our inner self. The King James Version of the Bible uses the word anointed. We can never overstate the importance of the Holy Spirit’s presence and ministry in our journey of faith. Jesus lovingly assured His disciples that they would not be left without comfort and peace upon His departure. He offered them the surest of promises concerning the coming Holy Spirit and His personal touch and ministry to each of them. He says in John 14:

John 14:26 (AMPC)

26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

The Holy Spirit continues to make Jesus real to us, every day reminding us of all He has spoken and done for us—encouraging and building a greater trust and confidence in Him. Thoughtfully given and assigned to each of us, the Holy Spirit deserves a special place of honor and attention as we follow Him moving forward. His leadership is unequaled. The urging of the apostles was to grow and establish rich communion with Him. His daily assignment from Jesus is to help us.

The opportunity to live in the power of His strength and might is the difference maker in every circumstance for us who believe. His supply is more than enough to meet every challenge along the way.

The challenges of following Jesus can be overwhelming. A single misleading thought in the mind, like a single fly, can produce the worst of outcomes. But the Holy Spirit’s care is so rigorous and detailed that we are never without the grace to overcome. He is always in attendance and available, able and up to the task. He is amenable or willing— active and committed. He is our Best Forever Friend.

“…My cup is running over…”

“My cup” was an often-used phrase at the time this psalm was written to refer to one’s destiny or fortune in life. I can picture David making every effort to find words to summarize all that he has previously expressed as he closes this psalm. He is simply taken and overwhelmed by the Good Shepherd’s over-the-top, always more-than-enough, thoughtful care and unquestionable love for His people.

As Christians, we can readily say that our cup runs over because Christ poured out His life and continues to do so without hesitation for us! His supply is exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or imagine to ask.

As we receive from the communion table and drink from Messiah’s cup, we’re reminded of His selfless act of emptying Himself so that we could join Him in life, both here and into eternity.

When Jesus says He came to give us life, it means that what we had wasn’t really life. As the apostle Paul writes, we were “dead in our sins and trespasses,” completely separated from the God kind of life.

Jesus describes that life as an abundant one.

John 10:10 (AMPC)

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Jesus says in another place,

Luke 12:32 (AMPC)

32 Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom!

There’s not a cup sizable enough to hold all that the Good Shepherd has made ours!

Ron Adams, son of Billie Adams, said, “If all we got was what we deserved we would be in a world of hurt.” The riches of God’s grace toward us has made us rich, by God’s standards, in all things. We should never apologize for the all that He has provided. Just the opposite. We should boast in Him and what He has accomplished. “Thank you” never seems enough for the “more than enough” He has made available to us. But it’s a great start!