“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” Psalm 23:5

A is for Anoint

Anoint—to rub or sprinkle on; apply an unguent, ointment, or oily liquid

Picture a precious little lamb and her loving shepherd pouring oil all over her head until it covers it completely. The shepherd does this to keep insects from getting into her eyes and ear canals to nest in her brain causing so much pain that she could break her own skull banging her head on rocks and trees to ease the suffering. This oil brings the lamb protection and peace.

Our Great Shepherd anoints our head with oil for our protection and peace as well. What “insects” of the enemy do you listen to that could ultimately cause death to relationships and other areas of your life? What “flies” get into your eyes, causing you to not be able to see all the blessings that God has for you? Have you asked your Shepherd to anoint you so that you are protected from the “bugs”—lies, ungratefulness, pride, gossip, etc.—of the enemy?

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Luke 4:18-19

“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” John 20:21

Anoint—to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil; to dedicate to the service of God

God also anoints us through His Holy Spirit sent to us from the Anointed One, Jesus Christ. If you have accepted Jesus into your life, you have the Holy Spirit inside you and you, too, are anointed for God’s service. Listen to Holy Spirit this year and do the things that He has anointed you to do, then when Jesus comes, He will find you faithful.

Precious Jesus, thank You for anointing us for our protection and peace and for our service to You. May we be about our Father’s business this year so that when You return we will be found faithful. Amen.