DAY 3
You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows. So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!'
Psalms 23:1-6
This whole devotional started while I was on a walk around my block. I was taking some time to reflect and think about the day, when out of nowhere, this part of the verse whispered to me, "You anoint my head with oil."
That was it. That was the thought.
I've read Psalms 23 a million times. I've heard that phrase over and over in my lifetime. I never thought much of it. I just figured it was David being poetic about his day.
But the phrase came back to me again, "You anoint my head with oil."
I started to think about that phrase. My mind was inquisitive.
What is this oil?
What is David referring to?
How does this apply to me?
Why am I being reminded of this?
What's the deal here?
Why is this so important?
When I returned home, and for the next several days and weeks, that's all I thought about. "You anoint my head with oil."
As I pondered and researched, my heart and mind began to align.
God wants to prepare me, for what He has for me. Let me word it like this, "God wants to prepare YOU for what he has for YOU.
I don't know WHAT the future holds. However, God gives 10 great clues about what you and I can expect. Here's what I discovered and I hope they inspire you too.
God is my shepherd: He leads and guides me.
He wants me to rest (lie in green pastures)
He will lead me into peaceful places.
He will restore my soul.
I will be led through tough and dark places. Life is not always easy.
God will be with me, I don't need to fear.
God will bless me for all to see, even my enemies.
God will prepare me for what is to come. The Holy Spirit is my anointing.
Goodness and Mercy are following right behind me.
I can dwell in God's presence every day, all day.
I don't know what God is preparing you and I for. You may be reading this feeling like you don't know either, and that's ok. I don't think we need to have all the answers. I also know, not having answers can make you feel in limbo or unsure of yourself.
After I dug into this Psalm for awhile, I simply asked God, "Anoint my head with oil. I don't know exactly what that means, but I know you have a path and a plan for me. Show me each day what that looks like."
Just like you, I wish my prayers were answered as quick as my espresso machine. Unfortunately, they were not.
However ...
What it does mean, I am looking and expecting for an opportunity.
What it does mean, I can prepare my mind and heart for what is to come. What it does mean, I can ask for the Holy Spirit to guide me each day.
This is Psalm 23 for me. I don't have all the answers. I'm not a super theologian. I am someone who wants to inspire others to be prepared for their opportunity and their moment.
If I had to leave you with one last thing, it would be this, "take the time to listen for the whispers each day."
Rooting for you.
Praying with you.
❤️ - Coach Anthony