Next, Mr Keller shares with us the alarming truth about how the sheep have many different flies that can cause all sorts of aggravation and problems for these animals. The worst one he says are the nose flies. Yet he also says, there is an antidote that can make a complete difference in the quality of the sheep’s lives. What is it? It is an oil that is applied to their nose and head. Thus, this chapter is called “You anoint my head with oil.” After explaining the tortured way the unprotected sheep act, the author says, “What an incredible transformation this would make among the sheep. Once the oil had been applied to the sheep’s head, there was an immediate change in behavior. Gone was the aggravation, gone the frenzy, gone the irritability and the restlessness. Instead, the sheep would start to feed quietly again, then soon lie down in peaceful contentment” (p140) Wow the symbolism here! I think we would all agree that there can be so very many things that irritate us in life. Sadly, like when these poor sheep beat their heads on a tree because the irritation is too much for them, sometimes we too can end up hurting ourselves by making poor choices because we cannot handle the bugs of life. Yet when we are anointed by God, when we remember we have the Holy Spirit with us 24/7, when we choose to come to God in prayer, doing what we can but then trusting Him for the rest? Oh how it makes all the difference!
Our problem though is that we forget. We forget we have the Good Shepherd tending to all our needs. We forget that we have trusted Him with our eternity, so surely we can trust Him with this temporary life. We forget that He is Sovereign and All-powerful and All-knowing. We forget we have been anointed, and we allow life’s irritations to spoil the quality of our lives…which sadly, bears a horrible witness of what the Christian life should be to those that do not know Him. We act frustrated and anxious and depressed and angry and…fill in the blank. I know this all to well, unfortunately. But this is why growth is vital for us, my Friends. The more we grow, the more we remember Whose we are, and the more His anointing oil protects us from life’s bugs.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
<>< Peace, Diane
