Daily Devotional, Nov 22, 2023 Oily Mama

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5

More than a decade ago, the essential oil craze came into the country. Moms immediately jumped into the bandwagon as it promised chemical-free, plant-based healing for all ages. Its use is not just confined to healing nausea, stomach upset, headaches and muscle pains. It is also said to ease mental and emotional concerns, and improve mood, concentration, and even focus.

The Bible also talks about a healing oil, but it is far more powerful, and is available to everyone. In the parable of the 10 virgins, only half of these maidens have been allowed entry to the wedding party because only five had that extra oil that lasted through the arrival of the bridegroom (Matthew 25:3-4). Bible scholars say that the oil is a representation of the Holy Spirit. This means that if you have the Holy Spirit within you, you are prepared for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and will be welcomed to an eternal life with Him. The Apostle Paul explained this to the Roman Church:

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." Romans 8:9

If we only allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, we will no longer be compelled to entrust our psycho-emotional healing on other things. For instance, ask any anxious person about what could help them and most would say they would want to have peace of mind. Essential oils offer this, and they say that diffusing a mixture of Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Chamomile can help attain tranquility. Assuming this is true, is it sustainable and possible to diffuse these oils 24/7 and apply it on your pulse points each time you feel anxious?

Believers on the other hand who have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit possess peace much sought after by those beset with constant worrying and anxiety. In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul encouraged the church to remain steadfast in their beliefs amid troubles:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7   

The Holy Spirit also addresses hopelessness — one of the feelings associated with depression. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

We will not need to apply expensive oils to our body, or diffuse them in our living spaces just to attain focus, clarity, and sharpness. When we are living in the presence of God, and His spirit dwells in us, our priorities are set straight and we become productive. Our focus is to do His will and purpose for us which is not to serve ourselves but others. By taking our minds of ourselves, we get to avoid self pitying, narcissism and self-absorption, envying to the point of hopelessness, and worrying about our resources and our future.

When we are living in the Spirit, we will not need mood enhancers because we are aware of all the graces and blessings that we have received and that is more than enough to feel grateful and happy. Self-entitlement, which brings forth negativity, hate, and selfishness will be a thing of the past.

Regrets are thrown in the furnace and will no longer control our lives. We will have peace amidst our past failures and mistakes because we know we have been forgiven and redeemed.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” Ephesians 1:7-8

So how do we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in us? First we have to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. We will surrender ourselves to Him, by asking forgiveness for our sins, repenting, and promising to abide by His commands moving forward. The Holy Spirit will then dwell in us as we nurture an intimate relationship with Jesus. We have to make time for Him through prayer and quiet time. We have to regularly read and study His word, and then we have to set apart a regular time for worshipping Him with other believers.

The relationship is not a once-a-week thing but an everyday affair of pursuing Jesus, following Him, and living in His presence. It is not perfection as no human can ever be one.  Rather, it is trying our best to grow in Christlikeness, that whenever we fail, we catch ourselves right away,  and rise above our mistakes vowing to improve our character. 

No, I am not discounting the numerous health benefits of aromatherapy oils. I am not even trying to disprove claims of its mental and psychological healing properties. What I am saying is the moment you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have been anointed with an oil that heals, comforts, and restores your weary soul, relaxes and invigorates your troubled mind, and warms your tired heart so that you can experience a different level of joy and peace from here to eternity.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Matthew 25:1-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Does the Holy Spirit dwell in you? If not, would you like to invite Him?

Conversation with the Lord:Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for allowing me to seek you. Please allow the Holy Spirit dwell in me as I pursue and follow you everyday of my life. Amen.