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Word of Hope Daily Devotions
		March 28 My Anointing
	Psalm 23:5b …you anoint my head with oil;
	One of the responsibilities of a good shepherd is to take care of the sheep at all times. Because sheep live mostly in the open, they are prone to injuries. They may get entangled in a brier bush or stumble on a rock causing them to fall. This may produce cuts or open wounds that need tending. However, the shepherd always has a keen eye on his sheep and his ears are sensitive to hear the cry of one who has been hurt. If at anytime one of his sheep becomes injured or sickly the shepherd will immediately provide the needed attention to make him well again. Many times he will use an oil as a healing balm and anoint the injury. This oil will provide a soothing covering over the wound much like a salve, having properties that will keep the injury free from infection. The word “anoint” means: to smear or rub with oil; to cover with oil. This is done to keep things from becoming dry and crusty. In the same way the covering applied by the shepherd will not only lubricate and soothe the pain but it will also keep the wound from dirt and flies that can continue to irritate the wound and delay healing. Often times injured animals will pull away in pain and reject the one who is actually trying to help them. They will become fearful and may even fight against the help they need because they cannot see beyond their pain. But sheep that have a close relationship with a loving shepherd will not be afraid because they know that the shepherd will not hurt them. They know that he loves them deeply and would never harm them. And because of this relationship they are able to trust and yield without fear to the shepherd’s touch even when the wound is sore and sensitive. We too like sheep do not have to fear our Lord when we have been injured and are in pain. We do not have to be afraid that He will harm us. We can be assured that God loves us and will care for us, binding up our wounds with gentleness so that we may be healed. When an injury or situation occurs in our lives bringing pain that requires the attention and care of our Shepherd we can be sure that He will not sparingly use the oil. Instead he will generously smear and rub the oil over the entire wounded area so that we may be completely healed. This oil, which symbolically represents the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, will become a healing balm to our hurting places. The Holy Spirit will come to us when we are injured and bring soothing comfort to our pain. He will generously cover our wounds and bind us up so that we may experience healing and wholeness. Do you have an injury or hurt today that requires the touch of healing? Do not be afraid or pull away from the Lord’s hand. Yield to his loving care. He will not hurt you. Instead he will provide a soothing balm that will bring healing and wholeness to you. He is Jehovah Rapha - the God who heals! Prayer Suggestion: Lord, thank you that you see my hurts and my pain. I can trust and yield to your touch because I know that You will bind up my wounds with gentleness so that I might be healed. In You I can find a soothing balm for my pain. Back to March