Listen

You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.

Psalm 23:5-6

Think

When we have enemies, we may want not just to defeat them but also to teach them a lesson, to see them crumble and slink away. We may want not just to win over them but also to do the extended version of our own personal touchdown-celebration, complete with dance moves, gravity-defying gymnastics, and a “We’re Number 1” finger point toward the sky to send some credit God’s way. We want our enemies to be shamed and not to forget it.

But the Shepherd who has given us rest, the Shepherd who has guided us through the darkness — this Shepherd stands with us while our enemies are watching and prepares a feast. Not an “in your face” move, but a generous welcome. Not a show of rebellion or pride, but a show of abundance. Not a bragging backflip in the end zone, but a cup that overflows with goodness.

This merciful Shepherd is our rest, our guide, and our home — for our whole life long.

Nikki Finkelstein-Blair

Pray

I’m following you today, God, even though my enemies are watching. Let them see your goodness overflowing in my life. Amen.

Go

Ready? Stand up.

Gather yourself, take courage, reach out, walk on.

The Shepherd is leading, and the world is waiting!