We should feel refreshed knowing that we have a shepherd that will guide us, keep us from distractions, and help us to renew our minds. Picture in your mind the scene from Psalm 23. It is a beautiful description of the Lord’s relationship with us.
When sheep are in the field doing what they are created to do, they can get distracted by insects that attempt to lay eggs on their heads. Timid sheep, always in need of guidance, begin to panic – scraping their heads on the ground, running their heads into other sheep, and even banging into trees to stop the annoyance of the insects that are buzzing around them. This behavior causes open wounds on their heads that eventually become infectious and contagious. The entire flock can become frightened and infected by just one sheep.
Notice that the attack starts at the head and causes the sheep to react according to its own will. The sheep feels alone with no help and begins to cause chaos among the flock.
The same is true for us when we respond to distractions according to our own will. When we act on our own, we become disobedient to what God has asked of us. This causes us to sin, which separates us from God. We can even influence others to sin.
What does the shepherd do in this situation? The good shepherd comes to the rescue by rubbing oil on the sheep’s head with his hands. This oil acts as a repellant that drives away the insects. It comforts the sheep by healing its wounds. It restores the sheep which allows it to refocus on what it was created to do. The oil reassures that the shepherd is present and that the sheep is protected.
We, as believers, also have an oil covering. We have an anointed oil called the Holy Spirit! He guides us, protects and comforts us. He is the restorer of our soul. And, He will be with us forever!
Thank you, Jesus, for your Spirit, the anointing oil.
By John Kelley
Christ Fellowship