Real Hope: Psalm 23Sample

Enemies In Plain Sight

We don’t often use the label ‘enemy’. A definition of an enemy is someone or something that can harm or weaken you. Think for a moment about those people in your life who have harmed or weakened you – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Perhaps time has passed, yet the memories of these wounds rise from the depths – the pain, the cruel words, lies, gossip, rejection, insecurity, fear, anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, continuing to harm and weaken you. People have broken your trust, betrayed you, taken advantage of you.

Enter the Shepherd. The God of the universe is not influenced by your enemies. He is not scared of them. They have no power over Him. God is not working with them to bring you down. He doesn’t get caught up in the gossip, the lies, the mocking, the belittling, or the ridicule. Instead, He silences your enemies by showing them how important you are to Him; how protected, loved and favoured. Think about this feast prepared for you, in plain sight of your enemies. Look around that table. The creator of the universe, the good Shepherd who laid His life down for you, for me, silencing the voices and actions of your enemies, those feelings, those fears, that pain, through His favour, His provision, His protection, His refreshing, and His abundance that He willingly and lovingly shares with you.

Look around that table again. God doesn’t take counsel from your tormentors – those who mock you, defraud you, disregard you. He doesn’t need their support or approval. God knows who you are and loves you more deeply than you can imagine. He can restore you, refresh you, protect you, and provide for you in abundance. Focus on Him.

Written by AARON WRIGHT