You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows," Psalm 23:5
When we look at the context of this statement of David, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows,” we see that it is happening in the presence of enemies. This is one of the hardest times to sense that God is there to empower us. David wants us to believe that we can experience joy and His presence when trials and trouble are present. In the summertime, when shepherds have their flocks on higher grounds, the pesky flies attack the sheep. Shepherds call this “fly time”. Hordes of insects emerge with warm weather and they create misery in the life of a sheep. Flying insects can cause a summer of torture for the flock. Because of the distraction of these pests, sheep will try to relieve themselves by beating their heads against trees, rocks or posts. They will rub in the soil or thrash around. Some sheep become frantic with panic and may run around in circles or hide in the brush or woods. Some may even refuse to graze in the pasture. Can you relate to the sheep? Have you experienced your own “fly time” in the form of trials? What does the shepherd do for his flock? The tender, loving shepherd will prepare an anointment (oil) at the first sign of “fly time” and apply it to the sheep’s head. A transformation occurs~ no more aggravation, no more restlessness and the sheep return to their normal “sheep” life. In the middle of life’s trials, our Good Shepherd has a unique ability to saturate you with His presence. David declares to God, “You anoint my head with oil…” Anointing means “to smear; to saturate”. The Holy Spirit is the oil of God and the anointing that flows through your life is always determined by the heart. In the midst of enemies, you will respond in one of two ways: either shut down, get depressed, full of anxiety and fear, becoming frantic, giving more attention to your “enemies” or you will move in close to God, giving more attention to Him so His Spirit can be poured out on you. We need a continuous anointing of the Spirit. He is ever present to create peace in our hearts, no matter what irritating flies try to cause us torment. Be filled with courage in the midst of your enemies and remember who your enemy is. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,” Ephesians 6:12. We battle with supernatural weapons, filled with power! “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds,” 2 Corinthians 10:3. The anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives releases the power to fulfill the plans and purposes of God for us. Do not let the enemies, the demonic “flies” steal your destiny, your joy, your creativity, your desire for God, your hope, etc. Keep your head near to the Shepherd so His Spirit can be smeared all over you and give you victory over all of your enemies! David also declares, “My cup overflows”. What a promise! It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are, you have an anchor for your soul. He is the God of your trials and your cup brims with blessing! There is never an empty cup with God. Nor is it a cup filled halfway or even filled to the brim. No, your cup is overflowing! It is way over the top of what you need! This is His lavish love! David said to the Lord in Psalm 16:5, “Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup”. David dependence and trust is wholly in His Shepherd who loved him. Let that be your confession, Lord You alone are my portion and my cup. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that He has a life of abundant blessings for you and me. This is the life David speaks of too, the life without lack is an abundant life, overflowing with goodness. How is God causing your cup to overflow with love, joy and thanksgiving? Take time today to remember how full your life is! Recount the goodness and kindness of the Lord to you and your family!
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Kristen Tschida
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