My Cup Overflows: Experiencing God's Comfort in Motherhood's Valleys Uzorak

“you anoint my head with oil” - Psalm 23:5

The first part of Psalm 23 highlights the disparity between God and us. Just as a shepherd is far above a sheep, so God and his ways are infinitely above us and our ways. Despite this reality, verse 5 introduces a new aspect to the relationship. The Psalmist David proclaims, “You anoint my head with oil …”

In the Old Testament, the act of anointing meant oil was mixed with perfume and a small amount was poured on a person’s head. If a host received his guests to a meal with this anointing, it signified the act of honoring them.

Here in Psalm 23, we have a picture of God receiving us as his guests and anointing our heads with oil. The Psalmist is declaring that God our Shepherd, who is above us in every way, exalts us in honor! Jesus’ coming to us only amplified this reality. As Jesus says in John 15:15, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends.”

This anointing with oil in Psalm 23 is in the context of the provision and victory God gives his people, and it reminds us of what lies at the heart of our celebration. Yes, God is at work to defeat the enemies of sin, shame, and pain in our lives, and he will bring ultimate defeat when this life is through. But God’s victory is not just about the absence of the enemy but about the presence of himself. At the heart of God’s victory is closeness and communion with him.

To be a guest at God’s table and anointed with his oil is to be welcomed into the joy of friendship, one that deepens as we follow him now and that will grow to unimaginable depths for all eternity. Today, in whatever you might be facing in this season of motherhood, remember that the Good Shepherd meets you and lifts you up to a place of honor. He is not only your master, he is your friend, and this friendship holds joy that abides through any circumstance.