You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.  Psalm 45:7 NIV

Joy is an experience from God.

Oil of Joy.  These words caught my eye and heart.  The verse say God had anointed this man with the “oil of joy”.  Joy is an experience from God.  Outward situations has no effect on the inner joy.  If the situation outside is dark, a secure and upbeat assurance of God’s presence fills your heart with assurance and hope.  This joy worships radiates outward making life brighter .  It is seem by others who would like to experience joy for themselves. This Joy is not a selfish experience but enjoys blessings others receive.  No jealousy or envy but rather a joined happiness sharing in blessings of others.

oil of joy is a filter

This joy is like an oil.  It runs down into the places that would be rough and rugged in our daily life and lubricates them so there is freedom of movement and no frustrating friction.  This oil of joy is a filter where all the input from the eyes and ears travels through.  The darkness and valleys of death become places where the presence of God brings healing to yourself and others through your words.  Although grieving may be a part of the day there is an intense awareness of how it could be worse.  An appreciation of the Holy Spirit brings a thankfulness that has joy lapping at its edges.  You just can’t keep joy out.  It runs into every situation.

I remember the testimony of a student and eventually a teacher in Teen Challenge.  She said as she began the path away from addiction she had asked God to help her and I believe God anointed her with joy.  In every situation of her life she would quote  1 Thessalonians  5:18-20 NIV “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God anoint me with your oil of joy.

I allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in me to prepare me for this joy.  I take my eyes off others and situations and look to you the source of all good.  Lord as we worship and at your time anoint our lives with this oil of joy.  Allow the lightnside to burn brighter and hotter with this anointed Godly fuel.  Amen.