You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

                                                                                                               Psalm 23:5 

It seems that the world is growing more and more perverse as the years roll by. What used to be considered shameful and reprehensible is now often admired and celebrated. It is like living in a world that is backward or upside down, and spiritually speaking, it is. What is right and good is often labeled as wicked. Likewise, that which is evil at its core is often held up as acceptable and something that should be embraced and admired (Isaiah 5:20). But this should come as no surprise. As believers we all understand that we are merely “passing through” and that our true home is with Christ in the kingdom of God. Just in case we need some reminders of this great divide between the people of God and the rest of the world, consider these passages:

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”

                                                                                                                   John 15:18-19 

For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign (insult) you…                                               

                                                                                                                 1 Peter 4:3-4 

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

                                                                                                                     James 4:4 

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 

                                                                                                     1 Corinthians 1:18

Jesus, Peter, James, and Paul are all reminding us that there is a deep spiritual division in this fallen world. This divide is between those who are saved and those who yet to be redeemed. But in the midst of this depravity and strife, the words of David echo words of encouragement and life, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” I believe that this “table” represents two things: abundance and provision. Consider the following:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

                                                                                                            John 10:10 

The power in Jesus’ statement lies in the deeper meaning of the word “abundantly.” If we are to truly understand what kind of life Jesus is describing, we need to comprehend the depth of the language being used. An abundant life can be defined as one that is over and above, more than is necessary, and superior. It is an extraordinary and uncommon life. In other words, if we belong to Jesus Christ, we should be living lives in which others stop and take notice.

In addition to this abundance in life, we find that “preparing a table” refers to provision. Consider the amazing declaration that Jesus makes regarding receiving from Him: 

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 

                                                                                                               Matthew 7:7-8

As believers, we can be assured that the provision of God is there and ready for us to enjoy. But why do so many Christians seem to be living far below the magnificent truths found in scripture? I believe that the answer may be found in this passage. Everyone who asks receives. To those who seek God and His abundant provision, they will find it to be a reality in their lives. And for those who knock, the door of opportunity will open. The key is in believing and being counted among those who ask, seek, and knock. There is not a hint of uncertainty in these statements of Christ. We will receive, we will find, and the door will be opened. This is the provision of God in the life of a believer.

David reminds us that although there will be people in this world who will despise us, insult us, and speak all manner of evil against us, that the Lord our Shepherd will prepare a table before us and it will be in the presence of our enemies. Christians should be the epitome of overcoming the world. We are to live in the victory of the cross and in the power of the Spirit. As we do, we will find the abundance and provision of God’s table!