The oil of joy was given instead of mourning. God gives us beauty instead of ashes. He causes us to feel joy.

The word anoint means to make fat, saturated, and prosperous. Anointing was a symbol of joy and festivity. The oil was refreshing and satisfying, making him happy or joyful.

That is what is happening. David is still in the thick of battle. His Son may kill him at any time, but David has focused on his Shepherd and found joy in the middle of the chaos. Isaiah 61:3

God turned David's mourning into dancing. He got him out of the sackcloth and into party clothes. Psalm 30:11-12. Now, instead of crying wildly, he is dancing in the flowers. He can't keep quiet about how good his God is. David is so joyful that he is determined never to stop giving thanks.

David has not gotten his throne back, but he has his joy. He understands God's blessings.

What are you going through? Are you tired of the tears and mourning and ready to live again? You can when you focus on your Shepherd and what He is doing for you right now.

I AM is present tense. He doesn’t wait till you are dead to give you the good life. It is yours right now, and you are in the middle of whatever is happening. You can find joy.

I love this verse David writes.

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head. Psalm 3:3.

David is alone and hurting, but he is not really alone. He can't be alone because his Shepherd is with him. But while he is in the middle of hurt and shame, his Shepherd anoints his head with oil.

The Shepherd gives Davie his dignity once again. He lifts his head. The lifter lives on high, exalts, or praises.

The Shepherd makes us righteous so we can look our Father in the face without shame. We can see Him face to face. I Corinthians 13:12

Through Christ, we are now right, just, and righteous. Our Shepherd has taken away our shame and all the failures and sins that were on our account. He has put the very holiness of God on our account. We are in the right standing with God.

The Shepherd anoints us with oil and gives us victory over our enemies.

Can you see it now? He lifts your head so you can look him in the eyes. No more embarrassment about who you are or were, no more shame for all your failures, but love like the Father loves the Son. John 17:23

Because of His love, grace, and mercy applied to our hearts, we can now boldly cry out to our Father, Abba, knowing that nothing between us hinders our relationship. Jesus, our Shepherd, took care of it all.

God has anointed us with the oil of His sweet Holy Spirit, I John 2:20, 27, like He anointed Jesus to do His ministry, Luke 4:18. Our Father has anointed us. II Corinthians 1:21-22

You know this, but we are now already crucified with Christ yet still living. Christ lives in and through us. We are never alone. He lives in us.

So, no matter how much you are hurting, I challenge you to focus on your Shepherd. See Christ and not the circumstances. Know this: Though we live in a sinful world with hurt all around, our Shepherd is right here with us, giving us all we need. We, too, can say that goodness and mercy chase us down all the time.

He has lifted your head, so you are now in the right relationship. You need not fear speaking with your Father. It is not just about some future moment but the life you live now with God in you, you in God, and all wrapped up in His wonderful love.

Think about it. Feast on this thought. God has given you joy instead of mourning. Jesus came to give us life more abundant now and forever John 10:10

Even if you are hurting, you can find joy when you learn to see it in your Shepherd.

The shame is gone, taken care of on the cross. Jesus bore you shame and took your blame so you can live in great joy.

The very Holy Spirit of God indwells you. You are accepted in the Beloved. You are beloved.

Take time every day to meditate on this wonderful psalm and remember Who is doing it all for you. Thank I AM, you Shepherd.