Psalm 23:5 (KJV)
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annoinest my oil; my cup runneth over.
Unfortunately, war has been a part of humanity since sin entered the world. Some battles have been fought over land, others because of arrogant ambition, and some to protect the innocent from tyranny.
Spiritually, there is a war that continues to be waged as well. It's the war for the soul, and Satan strives to kill, steal, and destroy God's flock.
David explains that God prepares a table in the presence of our enemies. This means that God sets the rules of engagement and the terms and rules of war. It's similar to the exchange between God and Satan concerning Job: "You can touch his family and things, but not him" and "You can touch him but not his soul." In both of these instances, God set the terms and Satan had to abide by them.
The Bible tells me that God will not put on me more than I can bear, therefore, I am encouraged to know that He is the one who sets the terms of war. God knows what I can handle, and for how long. He has prepared a table before in the presence of my enemies, and they have to abide by the rules of engagement that God has set forth.
Furthermore, God anoints my head with oil. Bedouin shepherds desire to protect their flocks against all enemies. When they get ready to bed down for the night, they will build a sheepfold, and the shepherd will lay at the entrance of the sheepfold making himself the door. This is interesting because Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheepfold."
But what about the oil? To protect the sheep against attacks from adders, the shepherd will rub oil on the face and head of the sheep, and pour oil in as many holes as he can find. The oil acts as a repellent against adders, protecting the sheep from being bitten and harmed. God anoints us so that we are protected from the bite of the Satan.
Finally, my cup runs over! God doesn't just give me a little blessing; instead, He fills my cup so full that it overflows! God's abundant provision and protection are not limited. In fact, my Shepherd is illimitable! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!!!
God is your shepherd. You can trust Him completely.
