Psalm 92:10-11 says, "But you have made me as strong as a wild ox. You have anointed me with the finest oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents." In ancient biblical times, a wild ox was a symbol of immense strength and power. It was often used to till the ground in farming, a task that required great physical strength. The psalmist acknowledged that God was the source of his strength, as powerful and unwavering as a wild ox. He also pointed out that God had anointed him or set him apart for God's glory by using the finest oil. The oil in the form of anointing represents the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 61:1 says, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners." In other words, the psalmist was not only strengthened by God, but God also set him apart for God's glory through the power of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, God fights for the psalmist because the psalmist belongs to God.
With our relationship with God, He has anointed us as His children when we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. God sets us apart from those who do not believe in Jesus for His glory. He anointed us by sending the Holy Spirit to live in us. The Holy Spirit is not just a presence, but a guide, a comforter, and a source of strength. It is the power of the Holy Spirit, which is at work within us, that helps us to change to be the people that God wants us to be. As a result, we do not belong in this world anymore. The Bible says that our citizenship is now in Heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, "But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Although we are still on this earth, we are not alone because the Holy Spirit is always in us, guiding us and giving us the strength to live according to God's will. So, let us not act like we are defeated against the problems that we are facing. We are more than victorious because God is with us, through the Holy Spirit.
Let us remember who we are as the people of God. We belong to God, for He set us apart by the power of the Holy Spirit. God sustains us with His strength against the problems that we are going through. He is always active in fighting for us, ensuring that we will be victorious in the end. This victory is not a distant hope, but a present reality. We can rest assured that God, who is always with us, will lead us to triumph over every challenge and obstacle.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who can give me the strength to handle the challenges that I am facing right now? How did God anoint me as His child? How should I live my life knowing that I belong to God?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for anointing me as your child through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for being my strength and always working in the background to help me to go through the challenges that I am facing. Thank you for always being with me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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