Galatians 5:22

When you think about Jesus, what comes to your mind? Is it Jesus teaching or healing? Or, perhaps you think of Jesus, the suffering servant in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitting His will to the Father.  For many, they think of Jesus on the cross.  

Hebrews 1:8-9 points to a wonderful visual of Christ, “But of the Son He says, ‘…Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.'”

Isn’t that a wonderful image for us to think of—Jesus anointed with the oil of gladness above all others? What does that mean? The words “anointed with” are often used in reference to the Holy Spirit being upon a person. We know from Galatians 5:22 that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Joy. Gladness. Jesus is anointed with the Holy Spirit, with gladness, joy “above” others. And rightly so. He accomplished what no one else could do. He paid mankind’s sin debt. He obtained salvation for all who call on Him. Jesus is overjoyed…more than anyone else on earth or in heaven. 

But there’s more. Isaiah 61:3 prophesies that Jesus Messiah would give, “The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit.” Jesus, having accomplished salvation for all who call on Him, pours out the Holy Spirit and His joy on others (Acts 1:8).

If you’re disheartened, remember Jesus, anointed with the oil of gladness. Ask Him to fill you with His gladness. Then, let His joy flow through you to others.

Lord Jesus, I praise You, anointed with the OIL OF GLADNESS above others. Overflow Your gladness on and through me so others see and believe in You.

Would you like to learn more about walking by the Holy Spirit? Listen to these free podcast teachings: “Listen UP! 31 Points Every Christian Should Know About the Holy Spirit.”

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Do you ever save a note someone has written you? I have a special one that my daughter wrote to me when she was five. It says, “Have fun with God and practicing BSF, ” a Bible Study I taught at that time. Lauren associated me having fun teaching a Bible study in the same way she had fun at her dance class. It raises a good question. Do we have fun with God? No doubt the disciples did when followed Jesus’s advice and threw their fishing net where He showed them. They had so many fish they could barely haul them to shore! Although life has hard and sorrowful times, as believers we should also know the joy of the Lord, as Galatians 5:22 explains. How can you experience more joy? Daily record ways God is working in your life and those for whom you pray. You’ll experience an increase in joy when you do. Get more tips for a joy-filled life.