The Power of the Shepherd.
1.  God's rod and staff were a comfort to David.
2.  David himself had killed a lion and bear to protect his sheep. God would do    what he had to do to protect his sheep.
3.  David knew there was no greater power than the power of his Shepherd.

The Purpose of the Shepherd.
1.  To get the sheep safely through the valley. Note: verse four is only true for us if Jehovah is our Shepherd. If He is not our Shepherd, then the valley is to be feared.

Text: Psalm 23:5, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over."  

A Testimony of Safety

With this verse the image of the Psalm suddenly changes. We are no longer in the field but in a palace. The Lord is now the gracious host. He prepares a table. He anoints the head, and He pours a cup. Our perception of God will determine our personal relationship with Him. God wants us to know that He has welcomed us and that He loves us. In this verse we see three marks of God's great love and hospitality.

1.  The Preparation of The Table - How important and special we are to Him. He prepares the table.
2. The Anointing of The Head - A wealthy home would have had an expensive vessel of perfumed oil by the door. It would be used for special occasions when distinctive company came to visit. If a wonderful friend from far away, or a loved one dear to ones heart would pay a visit, they would be greeted at the door, hands The host would  dip his hands into that precious ointment and the head of the incoming guest anointed. This act meant that they were very special. This is truth: you are special to God!
3.  The Overflowing Cup - In Bible times, there were no motels and restaurants. It was the custom if a traveler stopped at ones house, they were to be given entrance and a meal prepared for them. However, no other obligation was expected from the host. Only a meal and then the traveler could be sent on his way. If the person dining with you were quite interesting, or you really wanted him to stay, you would tell him in so many words. You would fill his glass to overflowing. When he saw it he would look up and smile and thank you for the invitation. However, if you wanted him to leave, you would fill his glass half full. That meant that after dessert - hit the road traveler! The host in verse five is a picture of Jesus and of the blessings we receive from Him.

The Fullness We Have in Jesus: "Thou preparest a table..." Full sheep are happy sheep, but the sheep must have a table land prepared for them because of their enemies. The shepherd would go ahead from time to time to seek out and prepare safe feeding places. Think of the times when the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus prepared the table. Read Psalms 78: 19-22 and note the four different tables.
1.  A table of Replenishment.
2. A table of Restoration
3. A table of Remembrance
4. A table of Rejoicing

The Freshness We Have in Jesus: "He anoints my head with oil.." David remembered how he would anoint the heads of his sheep.The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians1:21-22, "Now He which stablisheth you in Christ, and hath anointed us is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." Thank God for the freshness of that anointing. See Psalms 92:10 and Psalms 45:7.

The Freeness We Have in Jesus: "My cup runneth over." Our God is the God of more than enough. John 10:10, "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."