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In The Presence of Mine Enemies
For several months now there has been a
recurring theme in my communion with God. He has been
breathing into me the phrase "In the presence of mine
enemies." Over time, the concept has
crystallized into, "Thou preparest a TABLE before me in the
presence of mine enemies." I believe His message
to me has been, "Watch me as I prepare a table before you in
the presence of your enemies."
Another recurring theme has been "Love your
enemies. Pray for them that despitefully use
you." This first came as an urging as our
family struggled with an abusive situation in which someone
clearly did not have our best interest at heart...even was
willing to lie and take action against us to bring us harm.
Over a period of months, we have explored these concepts in
prayer...and in art. Daily, we make the effort
to lift our enemies before the throne of God in loving
prayer. On a more pleasant note, I have painted a
series of still life scenes I call IN
THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES in which I explore the promise of God's love and
provision for us.
Then came September 11. Perhaps you
can imagine how strongly these words have resounded in our hearts
since that day. "Love your enemies! Pray for
them that despitefully use you!'" and "a
table set before you in the presence of your enemies."
So, day by day, we live...one day at a time....praying for our
enemies and focusing on the good things God has given us,
refusing to submit to fear and terror in our personal lives or in
the midst of war and national uncertainty.
There are no lavish, material blessings promised to us if we love
our enemies and pray for them. The startling words that
follow those difficult words of Jesus are these:
"that you may be children of your Father in
heaven." So...I don't pray for my enemies that God may
enrich me financially? That He will increase my success and
protect my interests? NO! I pray for my enemies
simply because He has told me to...and I am His obedient
child.
But He does promise to provide for us, and that promise is not
dependent upon any action on our part at all. He provides
for me because He is my shepherd, I am His lamb; because He is my
Father and I am His child!
Ponder these words with me....and let us learn to live, day by
day, as children of our loving heavenly Father!
Love,
Psalm 23
Robyn
Matt. 5:44 & 45
Written
in September, 2001, shortly after 9/11.
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