Scripture For Today
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. 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 23:5-6 NIV
There is a story of a woman who had been walking through a season of disappointment. Every time she tried to move forward, something seemed to stand in her way. One day, while praying, she opened her Bible and came across these verses in Psalm 23. Suddenly, she saw an image in her heart of the Lord spreading out a feast, right in the middle of the chaos that was swirling around her.
It was as if God was whispering, “Even here, I am with you. Even now, I am providing.” Tears filled her eyes because she realized that while her enemies and troubles were still present, God was not waiting until her problems disappeared to bless her. He was preparing a table for her right in the midst of them.
That is the heart of this passage. God does not only promise peace after the battle is over. He promises to show His goodness and love in the middle of it. Think about what it means for the Lord Himself to prepare a table before you. Tables are for fellowship, for nourishment, and for abundance. He is not hurriedly dropping crumbs into your hand; He is setting a banquet for you to sit and enjoy. This is not the work of a distant God but of a close Shepherd who desires you to feast on His presence while you are surrounded by challenges.
The psalmist continues, “You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.” In ancient times, anointing with oil was a sign of being chosen, set apart, and refreshed. Oil was also used to heal wounds and protect sheep from pests. In the same way, God’s anointing covers you with His care. He refreshes you when you are weary, and He reminds you that you are chosen for His purposes.
Then David declares, “My cup overflows.” Not just filled, but overflowing. The picture here is not scarcity but abundance. God is not limited in His supply. Even when you feel as though you are lacking, His Spirit reminds you that He is able to provide more than enough. Then comes the assurance that goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life. Picture two faithful companions walking close behind you, never leaving your side.
Goodness speaks of God’s provision, favor, and blessings, while love speaks of His steadfast, covenant-keeping faithfulness. Together they follow you, not just on your best days but on every day of your life. This is not a temporary promise. It is eternal. The psalm ends with the promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever, a reminder that His presence is both your present comfort and your eternal home.
This scripture invites us to live with a different perspective. When enemies surround you, when obstacles rise up, when disappointments press in, the Shepherd prepares a table. He anoints you with His Spirit. He causes your cup to overflow. And He reminds you that His goodness and His love are following you today, tomorrow, and every day after
.Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Take time to sit at the table of His presence each day.
The world often urges us to fight, worry, or strive when challenges surround us. Instead, God invites us to pause and feast at the table He has prepared. This can look like spending quiet moments in prayer, reading Scripture, or simply worshiping Him. By choosing to “sit” rather than scramble, you remind your heart that He is in control. Jesus said in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” Begin each day by receiving His presence as your daily bread.
2. Remember that you are anointed and chosen by God.
When doubts or insecurities creep in, recall that God has anointed your head with oil. This means He has set you apart and covered you with His Spirit. Speak this truth aloud: “I am chosen and cared for by my Shepherd.” Isaiah 61:3 tells us that He gives “the oil of joy instead of mourning.” Apply this by asking Him to refresh your heart with His joy each day. Walk in confidence that His hand is upon your life, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
3. Declare that His goodness and love are following you.
Sometimes it does not feel like goodness and love are present. In those moments, you can still choose to declare the truth of Psalm 23:6. Speak it over your life: “God’s goodness and love are with me today.” This is more than positive thinking. It is aligning your heart with the promises of God. Each evening, take a moment to reflect on the ways His goodness showed up in your day. Gratitude has a way of opening your eyes to the overflow that God provides, even in small ways.
Closing Encouragement
Beloved, the Lord has not left you to fend for yourself in the presence of enemies. He is spreading a table for you, anointing you with His Spirit, and causing your cup to overflow. His goodness and love are walking with you into every tomorrow. You do not have to wait until the battle ends to experience His presence. Right now, where you are, His feast is ready, His oil is flowing, and His promise still stands. Sit down at His table, rest in His care, and walk forward knowing that He has covered your life with abundance that will never run dry.