The One Who Goes Before Me

A Study in the Psalms: Psalm 23

Keller, W. Phillip. "Thou Preparest a Table Before Me..." A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1970. 104-113. Print.

Psalm 23:5a

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

High plateaus are often referred to as "mesas" which in Spanish and some African languages is our word for table. In shepherd terms, the table refers to the summer range. The shepherd has to prepare the summer range. He looks over the land to ensure it's sufficient to provide what the sheep need. He ensures he's aware of areas with potentially harmful plants/weeds so he can avoid them or get rid of them.

I can picture him [David] walking slowly over the summer range ahead of his flock. His eagle eye sharp for any signs of poisonous weeds which he would pluck before his sheep got to them. No doubt he had armfuls to get rid of for the safety of his flock. 

The parallel in the Christian life is clear. Like sheep, and especially lambs, we somehow feel that we have to try everything that comes our way. We have to taste this thing and that, sampling everything just to see what it's like. And we may very well know that some things are deadly. They can do us no good. They can be most destructive. Still somehow we give them a whirl anyway. (106-107)

Keller explains that sometimes predators would watch the tablelands from higher areas, most likely why David used the words from a sheep's viewpoint, "in the presence of my enemies." Just as the shepherd must always be alert and aware of the danger of these predators, Christ is fully aware of the enemy's plans and attacks.

What a comfort it is to know that my Shepherd has gone before me to prepare the area I am to travel. He knows what's ahead and will help me through, if I follow Him. Jesus, in speaking to Peter in Luke 22:30-32 says, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Jesus knows the dangers that lie ahead for me and He is ever interceding for me. (Hebrews 7:25)

Just because the shepherd has gone ahead and made every possible provision for the safety and welfare of his sheep while they are on the summer range does not mean they will not have problems there. Predators can still attack; poisonous weeds can still grow; storms and gales can still come swirling up over the peaks; and a dozen other hazards can haunt the high country.

Yet, in His care and concern for us Christ still insures that we shall have some gladness with our sadness; some delightful days as well as dark days; some sunshine as well as shadow.  (111) 

The closer my walk with Christ, my Shepherd, the better I'm able to fight off Satan's attacks because I am equipped with God's Word and the Holy Spirit.  I am not immune to Satan's attacks. If anything, Satan will work harder to attack me, the stronger my faith and relationship with Christ is. I have to draw upon God's strength and His Word to resist those attacks. It's important to remember,  that even though Christ has gone before me, it doesn't ensure an easy journey. However, I can take comfort in the fact that He is there with me, and He knows how to help me through because He's already prepared the way.

Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

There are so many great quotes referring to trusting God with the future.  One of them that I like is credited to Dr. James Dobson, although I am unsure if he is the original author.

Joy comes from knowing God loves me, knows who I am, and where I'm going...that my future is secure as I rest in Him.

It's easy to let myself get sidetracked and forget Who is in control of my life. So often, I find myself worrying about this or that with regard to the future, but God tells me to stop worrying and take my worries to Him (Philippians 4:6-7). I can rest in Him knowing He already has it figured out. He commands me to first of all, "Be still" and then to "know..."

Psalm 46:10a

Be still and know that I am God...

I love finding songs that go right along with what I'm reading in God's Word. As God brought Psalm 46:10 to mind, He reminded of the words to a wonderful hymn, Be Still My Soul. Kari Jobe sings a beautiful version of this hymn. If you have time, I'd encourage you to listen.

Hillsong also has a beautiful song, called Still. I had not heard this song before, but I came across it when I was looking for the hymn, Be Still My Soul. It is written as a prayer to God, "...I will be still and know You are God..."