Simply the Bible Blog

“Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” (Psalm 23.5b)

Warmer weather brings so many joys–sunshine, birds singing and longer days. Unfortunately, it also brings flies. The word “pest” surely must have been named after the fly. Could there be anything more annoying than a fly buzzing around your head or landing on your food?

Sheep are also plagued by flies. In addition to being annoying, flies can actually be harmful. The nose flies deposit their eggs on the damp, mucous membranes of the sheep’s nose. The eggs hatch in a few days to form small, worm-like larvae that work their way up the nasal passages into the sheep’s head. They burrow into the flesh, making an intense irritation and severe inflammation. Seeking relief, the sheep will beat its head against trees, rocks or brush, and in extreme cases may even kill itself! So the wise shepherd makes a remedy of oil and other ingredients to pour over the sheep’s nose and head for protection.

The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. How we need this anointing of our Shepherd to protect us from the annoying and invasive flies of worry, doubt, fear and accusation. These come from Beelzebub (the lord of the flies), but they burrow themselves in our minds where they irritate us and can even drive us into a head-banging frenzy!

The soothing oil of the Holy Spirit poured over the mind brings peace for worry, faith for doubt, comfort for fear, and assurance for accusation. And when our Good Shepherd anoints us, He doesn’t only give sparingly. David said, “My cup runneth over.” The Lord pours out His Spirit upon us that meets our own needs and spills over to bless others as well.

How we need the Holy Spirit to fill our cup to overflowing in these days where pests abound! The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. May God help us bear this precious fruit as proof positive that we have been lovingly anointed by our Shepherd!