In the presence of enemies is a phrase that has taken on new meaning to me in recent weeks. I was listening to a message by Louie Giglio from several years ago about the 23rd Psalm when part of it hit my like I was hearing it for the first time.

This Psalm has always carried more meaning to me than being the one read at funerals. It has brought me comfort to know that God brings me rest and guidance. It’s verse 5 that is causing me to pause.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me. ⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever. (Psalm 23 NIV).

It’s like I read the first half of verse 5 and skipped the important part. God prepares a table for me in the presence of enemies. In the presence of my enemies, what does that mean? I don’t think of myself having enemies. I do have challenges, circumstances and situations that feel like enemies. In the midst of my darkest moments, God prepares a feast for me and says, “I got you; stay focused on me.”

In the midst of my darkest circumstances God is with me. It may feel like the world is closing in on me. It may feel like there isn’t a way forward. God prepares a feast for me. God calls my attention toward Him, toward all He has for me, toward His promises. When I am in the presence of enemies, I need to focus on God.

When you are in the presence of enemies, are you able to focus on God? Do you see the feast that’s been prepared for you? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.