He Anoints My Head with Oil

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name sake. Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. YOU ANOINT MY HEAD with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen

Psalm 23.

It's a very popular Psalm. It is often read in a eulogy or in times when people are seeking great comfort. Maybe this is you. As you walk through a season that feels like death,reeling with pain from a loss that you did not see coming, lying in bed at night and feeling the tears soaking your pillow. We all have times like these. It is especially important in these times to remember that the Great Shepherd sees all.

I am learning a ton about sheep. One thing I recently read is that the shepherd will pour oil on the top of the sheep's head to prevent insects and worms from getting in the sheep's ears and ultimately, in their heads. If the shepherd does not pour oil on them, the insects or worms get in and they become so tormented that the sheep will bash their head against a stone or whatever hard surface thy can find to try to stop the torment of having the rotten insects in their head, even leading to their death at times. This is a great description of us when we are in pain trying to reason it out in our mind and come to terms with things in our own head. It can leave us tormented and cause a spiritual death to our heart and soul. The good shepherd sees you. Ask God to anoint your head with oil as you lay your head down on your pillow tonight.

May the oil of joy and gladness that the good shepherd brings be your comfort and your protection. He anoints our head with oil. He preserves our life. It feels like death but we should also remember that although it feels like death, it is merely the shadow of death. You will recover and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. In reference to your enemies, God sees all.

Remember that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers and authorities and powers of this dark world. Ephesians 6:12

Allow God to pour the oil of his word and his truth on you in times where the nursing and rehearsing of wounds and situations want to play like a recording in your mind. Ask God to help you to hear him and his voice louder than the tune that is playing. Put on a different tune!

John 10:27-28 -My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.