In the first teaching on meditation, we meditated on Psalm 23:1 which reads, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.” We emphasised every word, muttering, praying and saying it out loud, until we grasped the full meaning each word.

Let us now continue to verse 4 which reads, “Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”  King David was well acquainted with problems, difficulties and he had numerous enemies. He experienced God’s guidance, comfort, protection and power first hand and could declare these words boldly.

 He goes even further in verse 5, saying, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil: my cup runs over.” Not only does He protect him against his enemies, He also spoils Him with abundant goodness and love in their presence. Awesome God!

I recall reciting this verse of Scripture over and over at a difficult time in my life, without any sense of relief or peace. I kept on muttering the Scripture, when at last, I saw a picture of how God literally prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He used a little girl who kept coming to sit on my lap, to show me His intense involvement in my situation. The disbelief in their eyes witnessing the little one preferring to sit with me in stead of with them, made me realize how literal this Scripture had become in my life at that moment.  Peace flowed over me and through me. Tears of gratitude towards my Good Shepherd flowed from my eyes and I sensed that a “brand new” day had dawned in my spirit.

Remember to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in the face of your enemies, as He sits opposite you at an abundantly prepared table. As you feast on His love and goodness, the enemy will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace and His peace will sweep over you until your cup overflows.

My dear friends, submit your life to Jesus. Make a conscious decision to lay down your own will and learn to trust Him. Trust His lead, accept His goodness and love and your cup will overflow.

Prayer:

Precious Jesus, I declare that You are my Good Shepherd. Help me to develop a close, dependent relationship with You, so I will willingly follow Your guidence.  Amen.