Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” NLT
When insulted or treated unjustly, how do you react? It is tempting, and I have done this, to share with a trusted friend and say, “Can you believe what they said to me? Or “Can you believe what they did to me?” Those situations stir up anger, resentment, insecurity, frustration, and feelings of defensiveness. Seeking affirmation is what you are asking for, right? Yet Romans 12:19 declares, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.” NLT. We are always to seek God’s glory in any adversity we are going through. But I must admit, that is not always my first inclination, and for me to remember how much God has forgiven me which is the transforming truth of the Gospel.
“God will not extract you from a broken world. Rather, He sets a table for two in the presence of your enemies. You have been invited to dine with the King in the middle of the battlefield.” “Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table. It’s Time To Win the Battle Of Your Mind . . . “ By Louie Giglio. A text message back and Psalm 23:5 changed his whole life. Louie texted an Elder about receiving finally justice against someone who had been against him and received this response, “Don’t give the enemy a seat at your table.” That text message set him on studying this verse at a deeper level and changed his outlook and was why he wrote this book and has You Tube sermons on this very subject. So, when seeking revenge, remember your great Shepherd is there, has foresight and care, and has the power to protect you. The enemy wants you to give into sins of doubt, fear, distrust, and anger. Instead, think about the invitation to a table with the King right on the battlefield. Picture a great feast with all your favorite foods; your enemy is not invited to this table with you and God, but they are watching and are present.
Jesus entrusted God to do justice when He was falsely accused. During these times, I must ask myself if God has a right to be angry with me. Does God treat me as my sin deserves? No, He has forgiven me and shows me grace and mercy in my time of need.
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” Psalm 23:5 ESV. “Beloved, I will ask you now a question. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? How much would you have had in your cup?” Charles Spurgeon.
Here are some tactics that are lies that we must fight against from the tempter:
- Things would be better if I were in a different situation.
- I am not going to make it.
- I am not good enough.
- Everyone is against me.
1 Peter 5:8-9a warns us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” Thank God for His presence in your life. Look beyond what the person has done against you. Give it to God.
Remember these verses:
- Proverbs 12:15, “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”
- Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
- Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
- James 1:20, “For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
So, the next time you have an “Can you believe it?” instance, fight back with keeping every thought captive to Christ and the transforming Gospel. Reboot your mind with the above verses and have them take root in your mind and heart and grow to produce love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). God will lead you through green pastures, besides still waters, restoring your soul, guiding you through the shadow of death, comforting you, protecting you even when enemies come your way. By faith, let Him handle it. Sit back and watch for the results which will glorify God, working out for your good, from our great Shepherd.
Listen to Phill Wickham – The Jesus Way – Lyric Video