I Am Because You Are October 2, 2025 Devotional

PSALM 23:5-6 | ⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Provision, direction, protection, salvation, and celebration.
The earthly shepherds rescue their sheep from death and danger. Jesus also tells of one who finds a lost and vulnerable sheep and then throws a party! But Psalm 23 combines the themes of rescue and joy in its final stanzas. Preparing a feast in the presence of enemies suggests a victory celebration after a battle has been won. Anointing is a gesture of acceptance, welcome, and hospitality. The overflowing cup suggests a generous supply of satisfaction. The house of the Lord as a perpetual dwelling is a promise of life beyond life (see John 14:1-6). We are not only rescued from death and danger, we are rescued for life, joy, victory, and celebration.

Remember your own experience of victory and celebration. Now imagine sharing that with our Lord and the great company of those made new.

Gracious God,

Your Son’s death and resurrection demonstrate Your power over death and disease. His many celebrations show the joy that awaits us. Help us be people of abiding hope.

Amen.