The Shepherd and His Names: Finding God in Psalm 23Sýnishorn

Jehovah-Shalom - “You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over” (Psalm 23:5).

My Cup Overflows

Have you ever felt completely drained, like life is just too much? Psalm 23:5 gives us a beautiful promise: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” This verse reminds us that God not only meets our needs—He blesses us abundantly!

In biblical times, shepherds anointed their sheep with oil to keep pests away. Flies and parasites could drive sheep crazy, distracting and irritating them. The oil soothed them, bringing peace and relief. In the same way, God anoints us with the Holy Spirit, calming our hearts and filling us with His peace.

Jesus promised this gift to His followers in John 14:26, calling the Holy Spirit our Helper—our guide, teacher, and comforter. Just like oil soothes the sheep, the Holy Spirit soothes our souls, bringing clarity in confusion, peace in chaos, and strength in weakness.

Anointing also represents being set apart for God’s purpose. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to shape us, guiding us toward God’s best for our lives. Galatians 5:16 encourages us to walk in the Spirit, helping us overcome distractions, temptations, and worries—just like the oil protected the sheep from irritants.

Think of those little worries and anxieties as “flies” buzzing around your mind—doubts, fears, insecurities. What’s the best way to get rid of them? By filling your mind with God’s truth. Verses like Matthew 6:26-28 remind us that if God cares for the birds and flowers, how much more does He care for us? When we meditate on His Word, we replace fear with faith and worry with trust.

And what about the overflowing cup? That’s God’s way of saying, “I don’t just give you enough—I give you more than enough!” A Spirit-filled life is one of joy, peace, and purpose. When we let the Holy Spirit lead us, we don’t just survive—we thrive! His blessings spill over into every area of our lives, allowing us to bless others as well.

So today, take a deep breath and rest in this truth: Your Shepherd cares for you, He provides for you, and He fills your cup to overflowing. Let Him anoint you with His peace, and watch how He turns your worries into worship.