“The Table in the Valley”
There is a table, not in a palace, not behind fortified walls,
but in a valley, deep and shadowed,
where enemies circle like wolves with silent hunger. As we feast while they watch.
Yet, listen! The SHEPHERD does not tremble.
At an appointed time, HE prepares the table.
Not rushed. Not hidden. HE arranges it,
boldly, deliberately, in their sight.
Because HE is not only Shepherd, HE is KING.
While the enemy watches, we eat.
Not scraps. Not survival.
But goodness, poured out.
Blessings, still warm, set with Holy hands.
Cups that overflow, not just filled, but running over,
with comfort, mercy, joy, peace.
Not a crumb can be stolen from that table,
not a drop from the cup.
For HE intercedes for us
in heavenly places, far above every foe,
while HE feeds us here, in the low place.
We don’t feast in the absence of danger,
we feast in its face.
Not because of our strength,
but because of HIS presence.
Beside still waters HE leads us
not just for rest, but restoration.
Our souls are made new, not when the battle ends,
but while it rages.
So let them watch.
Let the darkness linger.
We will eat.
We will be anointed.
We will not fear.
For our SHEPHERD is near,
and the valley is not our end,
it’s HIS dining room.
But be warned, beloved,
those who watch with envy from the shadows,
who covet the feast prepared for another,
will find no satisfaction.
For it is written:
“You shall not covet…” (Exodus 20:17).
Coveting corrupts the soul.
It blinds the heart to its own Shepherd’s call.
It leaves a man starving,
not because the table isn’t set,
but because his eyes are fixed on someone else’s plate.
Previously mentioned Scripture.
Exodus 20:17
New International Version
17 “ “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” ”
Exodus 20:17
King James Version
17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
Exodus 20:17
Living Bible
17 “ “You must not be envious of your neighbor’s house, or want to sleep with his wife, or want to own his slaves, oxen, donkeys, or anything else he has.” ”