By Kathi Pelton
Right now the world feels more like “in the presence of our enemies” (Ps. 23:5) then ever before. The hatred, the violence and the lack of regard for human life is like the taunting of Goliath as he shouted to the Israelite army (1 Samuel 17).
We long for the still waters and green pastures but the shouts of the “Goliaths” of today are all around us. They fill our streets and flood our news— and they come in all form. No longer are they 9’ giants but their taunts come from women, men, old and young. Just like Goliath, they mock God and they mock his power.
BUT—
God is with us to impart the courage of young David; those with a heart after God.
The enemy preys upon those he views as smaller, weaker or less capable than him. Yet he has forgotten one key thing!
THE GOD WITHIN US IS GREATER THAN TEN THOUSAND ENEMIES THAT SURROUND US.
David knew this truth because he had witnessed this when he was shepherding his father’s flocks of sheep. He faced down a lion and a bear and watched how God prevailed against predators that could have easily killed him and spared the flock that he was tending. So Goliath was merely another predator and the Israelite army was his Father’s flock that he went out to protect.
You may feel small and weak in the presence of your enemies but your victory has nothing to do with your strength or abilities to fight. It has to do with knowing that God is for you and he is within you. He is able!
“What then shall we say of these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Let’s go back to to Psalm 23,
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23:4-6
The world may feel like the darkest valley but he is with you! He has comfort for your soul and has enriched your life with the overflow of his goodness and love. A table of favor and mercy has been set before you and you are invited to come and receive his overflowing kindness and strength.
Ask his Spirit to make you more aware of the presence of God than the presence of your enemies. That is where his oil anoints your head (as Samuel did with young David). His presence is where you are comforted (he knows that you need this!). This is where your cup is filled and overflows and this is where you will experience his goodness and love that is with you always.
His presence is where David was trained and prepared. David knew that the presence of God gave him courage, gave him victory over the enemies who could surely slay him, comforted him, healed him and renewed his strength. Though David could become overwhelmed, even deeply distressed at the presence of his enemies— he continually returned to the presence of God to receive courage and to carry on.
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11
His people need the fullness of joy. But that is only found in his presence. Though the table that has been prepared for us is “in the presence of our enemies”, it is the enemy who should be afraid! Everything we need has been set before us— everything. The enemy sees that and shouts taunting words to keep your eyes on him rather than God and all that he’s placed before you.
Let us rise up in his presence so that we can receive all that we need to defeat the Goliaths that have risen up to taunt us and mock God.
“Holy Spirit, make us more aware of your presence than we are of the presence of our enemies. Let us see your power displayed against the present day lions, bears and giants that seek to devour your people. Make us strong and courageous. Anoint our heads, comfort us and give us the fullness of joy that comes from your presence.”
Personal Request
The past number of months our ministry (which is our main source of income) has experienced a significant decline in financial support which has impacted us greatly.
We are asking if you will prayerfully take the time to ask the Lord if you can give a one time gift or begin to be a monthly supporter.
We pray that these articles have helped you in your journey and have been a source of inspiration to you.
Thank You
Oceans in the Desert 
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