There are different seasons that we go through every year. We will eventually enjoy the arrival of spring here in Marshfield...at least I am led to believe that spring will eventually arrive! Spring. You remember it. Don’t you? The warmer dry air of Wisconsin begins to permeate the region. Trees begin to leaf out, flowers begin to bloom, and tulips have poked through the ground. However, when talking about seasons, autumn is my favorite season with all the color, and crisp cool air. Winter and summer are the extremes of the other seasons. Each season has its own appeal and dangers as well. Harsh snowstorms with ice, hurricanes, and tornadoes are just some of the opposite sides of different seasons. We will look at some seasons and say, “I like this part – but I do not like that part.” However, we must take it all as a package deal. It is always harder to relax when the wind starts howling and knocks down power lines and even buildings … or we are driving in a blizzard. … or the crazy amounts of rain causes devastating flooding!

In our own life there are many seasons we will go through – but the Lord calls us to rest in Him through them all! It is vital we learn to rest in the Lord in every season of life! Psalm 23:5 speaks of one of “those” seasons of life. I do not know many people who enjoy spending time in the presence of their enemies, but this is where the Psalmist is! This verse in Psalm 23 talks about the Good Shepherd’s actions when my enemies are present. It is almost shocking to see what the Good Shepherd does, but first let’s look at the reality of enemies.

ENEMIES

Psalm 23:5 says, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies….” It is interesting to note that this good man (the Psalmist, David) that follows the Good Shepherd has enemies! David had enemies that sought to take his life. In fact, his own son looked to take his kingdom, and King Saul even pursued the pre-meditated murder of David!

It was God’s idea that David be the king – not David’s! This brought a very formable foe in David’s court of life – the King of Israel. Yet, it was David’s neglect as a father and king that brought Absalom’s contempt for his father.

So, sometimes we have enemies because we are doing the best we can following the Lord …and sometimes we have enemies of our own making.

When you look at history you see endless examples of godly people who had enemies.

Abraham Lincoln had strong foes who wanted to kill him.
John and Betty Stam were missionaries to China and were beheaded by their enemies – those who didn’t want the gospel preached in their country.
Jonathan Goforth (another missionary to China) was almost beaten to death while fleeing China during the Boxer Rebellion.
The apostle Paul survived an angry mob attempting to execute him via a public stoning.

Sheep have enemies…predators … that want to take them out. As God’s children, we will have enemies. We would not be like our Lord without enemies! II Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” James 4:4 says, “…whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Take comfort in knowing you are on the Lord’s side! He will prevail! This is struggle is temporary – that which is to come is for all eternity!!
Be aware that some of your enemies are self-made. David didn’t deal with sin and he ended up with enemies among his own family.
No one is perfect, but everyone is accountable.
So, when you are aware of sin in your life, deal with it swiftly and genuinely!

BRAVERY

Now go back to Psalm 23:5. Look at the amazing bravery manifested amid of his enemies! There is danger present, the enemy is about, and he prepares to take part in a meal!?

I am often mindful of the 9-11 firefighters, policemen, and other rescue workers that lost their lives on that dreadful day. Many a testimony has been given of men and women running into that building to rescue folks – running to the danger – not away from it.

Sometimes we can be prone to simply run away from danger—when God is calling us to face it head on! There are times we should run away. For example, Joseph ran when faced with temptation — but only after he faced that temptation on a daily basis for quite awhile. There are also times we need to stand up and be counted. (Ps. 118:6)

STAND UP FOR JESUS!

Don’t “speak your mind,” … speak the Word of God!

Speak the Word of God on things like:

…loving the unborn babies

…loving the handicapped and elderly

…loving the fatherless and widows

…loving how God created me

…loving your parents as a teen and as an adult

…loving and lifting up your spouse in public and in private

…loving truth, living truth, speaking truth

…be known by your love for others and not by complaining

We are not Google, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Disney. Yes, these corporations have incredible power to sway public opinion and create historical marketing revenue. However, they are just corporations with a lot of money. WE ARE THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST! We have the power of the unlimited Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us. We have the promise of almighty God to turn the world upside down if we will but follow Him! Are you looking for a cause? Are you looking for something worth following? Look no further! You will find everything you need in the Good Shepherd!

Yes, the enemies are about us and danger is present, but my Good Shepherd is with us!

REST

Here is the really amazing understanding of this verse: the enemies are near – and yet a table (a banquet) is prepared to eat! When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight! But here in Psalm 23 the Good Shepherd is preparing a banquet!

5 Practical Helps!
1. Philippians 4:6 – Choose Prayer.
2.     Psalm 119:66 – Choose Teachableness.
3.     Luke 6:36 – Choose Mercy.
4.     I John 3:16 – Choose Sacrifice.
5.     James 1:2 – Choose Joy.

Years ago, when we lived in Milwaukee, a knock came to our door around 10:00 at night. The police were outside telling the neighborhood that a truck carrying a huge load of explosives (the same stuff that was used to destroy the Oklahoma government building) had just turned over on the highway. Everyone was to get out! They were afraid it would explode at any time. You know – we didn’t sit down for a nice meal – we got out of there! My heart was racing. We were grabbing our kids, a few things for the night, and making our way to a friend’s house.

In Psalm 23 there is an incredible amount of peace in the middle of danger. You see, the Psalmist began by simply saying, “The Lord is my Shepherd!” There is more to that statement than meets the eye. The Psalmist understood who the Good Shepherd is, what He has done, and what He has promised to do…and that is when he could rest in the Lord!

What danger---what enemies---what difficulties do you see in your life?

The recognition of ENEMIES and choosing God-enabled BRAVERY will lead you and me to REST.

Rest in the Lord – he will care for your every need and give you peace like none other!