The oil of joy is a special anointing from God. It enables us to walk through troubled times in victory. Joy releases great strength when we are weak. Many Christians are walking through deep waters and trials, and many are struggling. We all need joy to lighten our journey.
Good gifts come from God, and they are ours for the asking. This anointing comes from God. Some will never ask for it and struggle through life situations with heaviness, but Jesus wants us to walk in His footsteps. Though He was known as a “Man of Sorrows” he was anointed with gladness. “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a right scepter. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Ps 45:6,7.
Most of us have read about martyrs that sang as they left this life and entered Heaven with victory. For a person to be able to do that is beyond normal human ability.
As flames engulfed the man of God, John Hus, he began to sing in Latin a Christian chant: “Christ, Thou Son of the living God, have mercy upon me.” “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Heb 1:9
Moses face shone with the oil of gladness. He found it in the presence of God upon the mountain. Anointing in the Bible is usually coupled with people being in the presence of God. There is an old saying that rings true. “You have to get on the spout where the glory comes out.”
We need to be anointed with fresh oil to face life challenges. The oil of joy brings a smile to our face so all our tomorrows are bathed in His joy. It produces growth, strength and fruit. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.”Phil 4:13.
Some Christians look like they are anointed with pickle juice. They need a fresh anointing of joy to bring gladness to their hearts. This anointing is better than watching I love Lucy shows. It brings laughter that produces healing and health. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”Pr 17:22.
Heidi Baker in Mozambique, a missionary, walks in the oil of joy while caring for thousands of children. “One night she began to feel like she was having birth pains, and lay groaning in intercession for the children of Mozambique. She began to see them. There were thousands coming towards her. She cried, “No, Lord, there are too many!” Then she saw Jesus, and heard him say, “Look into my eyes. You give them something to eat.” He took a piece of his broken body out of his side and it became bread, and she began to give it to the children. Again Jesus said, “Look into my eyes. You give them something to drink.” He gave her a cup of the blood and water that flowed from his side, and she gave this to the children to drink. The Lord said, “There will always be enough bread and drink, because I paid the price with my life. Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” She walks with the supernatural anointing of joy and strength.
Oh Lord anoint us with fresh oil that enables us to be people of faith and do whatever You want us to do. It is not meant to be a fleeting moment anointing, but rather a way of life, even in old age.
Moses led the people out of Egypt at 80. Sarah was 90 years old when she had Issac and Abraham was 100. You will never be without joy and strength as long as you do what God wants you to do . Caleb at 85 years plus was still doing things for the Lord. The oil of joy refreshes your strength.
In the first church we pastored we had a dear lady who inspired many. She was always filled with joy and encouragement. Marian Knapp was not always that way. She married a man who became an alcoholic. She had four daughters by him and there was never enough money to provide, even for necessities. The final blow came when her husband took his life. But she remained faithful and looked to the Lord. A few years later she and her daughters were sitting in church when a man came into the service and recommitted his life to Jesus. He was a backslid pastor! The Lord told him she would be his wife. It took some strong convincing for Marian to believe that, but it did happen. As a couple they were an inspiration to many others.
Marian was anointed with the oil of joy and would sometimes do a little jig dance in our Bible studies. “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isa 61:3 .
Lord anoint us with the oil of gladness so that our face will shine with your presence. Lord give us fresh oil! We are on earth for such a time as this!
Psalm 45:7
“You love righteousness, and hate wickedness: therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”