There are several Christian songs out right now that discuss, in one way or another, the scripture from Psalms 23:5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...” Each song is beautiful, and captures the essence of the peace of Christ.
Among them, my favorite is Brian and Katie Torwalt’s “Prophesy Your Promise”. The entire song is absolutely incredible, and tells you in every stanza of the deep, overwhelming love of Christ.
It begins with the heart-warming words:
“I found You in the middle of my mess
You had been there all along
Open arms and open heart
You called me in
You didn’t hesitate at all”
When they begin to sing about Psalms 23:5, it sounds like:
“You set a table in the middle of my war
You knew the outcome of it all
When what I faced looked like it would never end
You said, “Watch the giants fall”
I can listen to this song over and over on repeat for hours. This song brings me so much comfort, and so much assurance of the love of the Father. But this verse in particular, causes me to stop and pause and really take in the scene of what they’re describing.
When I listen to these words, I allow my mind to drift off to this Nordic land. There are mountains all around. I’m able to visualize swarms of Nordic soldiers, swords drawn and lifted in battle, running towards me.
Then, I look around to see, right in the middle of the field, is a beautifully spread table. It’s loaded with food and nourishment, and the table settings are exquisite. Standing at the head of the table, is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. He’s dressed in white, with flowing hair, and has both arms outstretched towards me. Jesus. Welcoming me to come sit and dine with him at this table.
Suddenly everything is peaceful. There’s war all around me. But I’m seated at this beautiful table, with my loving Father, and I know nothing can hurt me.
I love to picture this scene in my mind when something is troubling me, when the enemy is attacking me, or when I’m not feeling capable of a task ahead of me. I see it so often, I really need to have someone paint it for me to hang in my home. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful place.
The other day, I was listening to a podcast that challenged me to take a long look at ‘the enemy’ of my mind. When I listen to Brian and Katie’s song, I’d never paid much attention to the soldiers who were running towards me in attack. Once I make it to Jesus, they are no longer of interest to me.
So, as the podcaster suggested, I began to think about the ‘enemy’ that is coming after me. Obviously, first and foremost is satan- the devil himself. He’s always looking for ways to kill, steal and destroy. But who did the other soldiers represent to me? I closed my eyes and imagined them running down those mountains at me again. I tried to get a good look at their faces, but I couldn’t make them out. I assumed the faces I saw would be of people who had hurt me in the past, or had wronged me in some way. I imagined some of them might even be family members and friends who really didn’t have my best interest at heart. I assumed my ‘enemies’ would be satan and people.
As I looked from one soldier to another in my mind, I allowed myself to let go and feel the scene around me. I was filled, almost instantly with overwhelming emotions- fear the strongest of them all. I began to realize that my enemies weren’t people at all.
Ephesians 6:12 came to mind. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
My enemies weren’t people. My enemies were tools of satan, the ruler of the darkness, meant to harm me. Fear, dread, anxiety, shame, even guilt. When I gave these things power over me, they could turn my mindset, and my life, from peace to utter chaos in seconds.
I realized why the table was so peaceful.
“”You set a table in the middle of my war
You knew the outcome of it all
When what I faced looked like it would never end
You said, “Watch the giants fall”
MY war. Jesus set a table in the middle of my war- the things warring at me and overwhelming me- a SPIRITUAL battle- not a physical one at all.
I began to see my enemies for what they were. While I know satan can certainly work through people to kill, steal and destroy, those soldiers didn’t represent just people who had hurt me or meant harm for me.
I know this is a limited view of Ephesians 6:12, but it is what spoke to me from the scripture. I know there is much more evil in this world than the emotions I face daily. But when I picture Jesus, in the middle of this war, at the beautifully set table, I know what I’m seeking solace from- my mind, and things that overwhelm me.
“You knew the outcome of it all”
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“You said watch the giants fall”
“No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn” Isaiah 54:17
I’m so thankful that I can rest in peace with Jesus, even when a battle is raging all around me- even if the tongue rising against me is sometimes my own. Whether it is a person coming for me, or just the evil natures and principalities of this world, I know complete rest can be found in Him.
I’m going to enjoy sitting at the table with Jesus.
“Fear can go to hell
Shame can go there too
I know whose I am
I belong to You
I belong to you
And the lies I once believed
They crumble
At the weight of Your truth
And the fear that gripped my heart
Is arrested
So that I can see You
When I only see in part
I will prophesy Your promise
I believe You, God
‘Cause You finish what You start
I will trust You in the process
I believe You
When I only see in part
I will prophesy Your promise
I believe You, God
‘Cause You finish what You start
I will trust You in the process
I believe You, God”
I encourage you to go and listen to this song yourself today- even if you’ve heard it before. Allow God to speak over your war today. Listen HERE.
