[Unboxing Psalm 23] My Cup Runs OverSample

You Anoint My Head With Oil

Many shepherds anoint their sheep with oil during different seasons of the year. This practice is meant to prevent flies from driving sheep crazy to the point of killing themselves, to prevent many forms of diseases that can come from the flies hatching in the sheep’s ears or nose, and to keep away bacteria. Once the oil is poured and rubbed onto a sheep’s head, it becomes calmer, relaxed, and begins to feed and drink.

In the Scriptures, anointing with oil is associated with the ideas of comfort, gladness, and consolation. Oil is also used to anoint someone to a specific calling. When David was anointed, he was chosen by God to be king.

The New Testament focuses us on the Holy Spirit in our lives, on His anointing us with His presence. When we come to the table of the shed blood and broken body of Christ, what we feast on at the table leads us to the anointing of the Holy Spirit that comes upon us. We are calm. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings us peace.

When you are easily irritated or annoyed, when things in our culture trouble you, when your enemies are upon you, remember that you have been anointed with the Holy Spirit who indwells in you. Just as the sheep start relaxing after being anointed with oil, you also can feel calm and at peace when you remember the Holy Spirit within you.

How have you seen the Lord work in the middle of the irritations of life? Do you seek the Holy Spirit in times of irritation and distraction? Do you recognize the anointing of the Holy Spirit over your life on a daily basis?

Come to the table and feast. Revel in the presence of the Holy Spirit.