In Psalm 23, we read, “You prepare a table before me in the midst of my enemies!” What a stunning word picture, that in the midst of our troubles and even in an intense battle - God says to stop at a table and feast on Him. 

Here’s how it reads in the Passion Translation:  “You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; You give me all I can drink of You until my heart overflows. So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love to pursue me all the days of my life.” 

The presence of God is a continual feast for our souls. Learning to come to the table of rest and restoration is everything. As David said in Psalm 110, we are called “to rule in the midst of our enemies!” God doesn’t wait for things to get better, He trains your hands for battle on the battlefield. He teaches rest as we advance and even when taking spiritual retreats. 

It’s all about rest! 

Our rich heritage as believers includes the contemplative tradition where stillness and quietness are spiritual disciplines. Being still and quiet and taking time to wait on God sets us up for being filled up in our reserve tank. This infilling is not so we can serve more, it’s so we can know Him more! We learn more about God when we stop and let Him fight the battle for us. As we stop, rest, take communion and focus on Him, we are allowing Him to rule over us and ultimately through us.