You anoint my head with oil.
Do you know the terrible sound of a mosquito buzzing around your head while trying to sleep? Or a fly that just keeps landing on your face over and over again? It can be so maddening that it drives you up the wall!
I never thought about this, but apparently sheep have the same problem. I saw a video recently about the meaning of Psalm 23:5, the part where David writes:
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. – Psalms 23:5 NIV
Sheep are often bothered by horrible flies that try to lay eggs in their eyes and nostrils. When those eggs hatch into worms, they cause so much agony that the sheep bang their heads against rocks, even to death.
A shepherd anoints a sheep’s head with oil to keep the flies away and to protect the sheep from insect infestation and torment. It makes sure the sheep are kept at peace.
It reminds me of the Helmet of Salvation, which Paul describes in Ephesians 6:17, meant to protect our minds against spiritual attacks, doubts and toxic thoughts.
And in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NKJV Paul writes:
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Do you ever struggle with toxic thoughts? Does anxiety invade your mind? Do you feel like you’re “banging your head against the wall” in mental torment?
Just like a shepherd anoints the sheep, God also wants to anoint your head!
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You that You have an endless supply of anointing oil. I ask that You anoint me, seal my mind and put the helmet of salvation on my head. Would You bring peace to my mind and my thoughts? May my cup overflow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
