'Oil of Joy' - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) September 28, 2021

We live in a world that is filled with ups and downs. You get through one challenge and another comes roaring your way. Sometimes, it's hard to catch a break. And if you're not concerned about what's going on in your life, then there are the trials of other people to sadden you. Stories of abuse and suffering pervade our newspapers and screens.

However, God in His grace and mercy has made a special gift available to those who will avail themselves to it - the "oil of joy".

This term is mentioned in Psalm 45:7 - You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. And again in Isaiah 61:3 - To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

We need the oil of God's joy to get through each day. It gives an optimism that won't make sense to others. It will remind us of what the Lord has done in the past and give us expectation for what He's doing and is to come. It will spur our faith and trust in Him despite the chaos we see swirling around us. The oil of joy lifts your tongue in praise. It makes your feet swift enough to dance. It makes you bow down in worship.

Today, let us think about how the oil of joy could make a difference in our lives or the lives of others. Let us gather to honor the Lord with our thanksgiving and intercede for others. Having done these things, let us prepare to seek the oil of joy and receive it so we live lives like those set apart and anointed by the King of kings.

Join us at Noon EST for Praise & Pray (for others).