OILY TRANSITIONS

I am not a mechanic. Trust me. I could tell you the story of the do it yourself oil change that ending up costing me eight hundred dollars, but I’ll spare you and myself. Let me reiterate that I am not a mechanic! But, even I understand the critical role oil plays in the movement of parts necessary to create the power of action. It is just as vital for the transitions of life.

Like them or hate them, transitions are a regular part of living. If we are growing and moving forward, we regularly experience them. If we are following Christ, He is ever leading us from glory to greater glory and transitions are a necessary part of the journey. Are you in a transitional season right now?  If not, it won’t be long!

Just look around at our world. There’s a whole lot of shaking going on. We are experiencing severe shaking; politically, economically, socially, and personally. Confusion abounds everywhere. Almost everyone has a plan, and each idea seems to contradict and conflict with the others. Haggai’s prophecy is increasingly our reality “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also heaven.” [Hebrews 12:26] This is the time of shaking! Indeed, a whole lot of shaking is going on. And while many blame the devil anytime things get uncomfortable, it is often God who is shaking things up. Why?  To bring His people into the place of alignment with His purpose.  Trust Him. The outcome will be glorious even when the transition seems tedious. Take courage. He is going to give you fresh oil for this season of change!

PSALM 92

Psalm 92 is for people who are going through a transition. If you notice the Psalm begins before the first verse with these words, “A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day.” So, this particular psalm (or song) was written primarily to sing on the Sabbath day. Why the Sabbath day? The Sabbath is a day of rest; a day set apart for worship, but it is also a day of transition. On the Sabbath, you are leaving one period behind and preparing to enter into a new. On the Sabbath, you say goodbye to yesterday and greet tomorrow. It is a day of change, a time of preparation.

This Psalm holds essential keys to navigating transitions successfully. I see at least six transitional keys in this passage. Primary among them is the promise found in verse 10, “I shall be anointed with fresh oil.” [KJV] You are promised fresh oil to propel you to and through the season ahead!

WHY OIL?

Oil in the Bible is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, and the word anoint means to “pour over” and “to smear into.”  So, anointing with oil represents the Holy Spirit poured out and smeared into God’s child. The anointing is the specific application of the Holy Spirit on an individual bringing transformation and enablement.

When David was anointed He became a different man.“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord came on David from that day forward.” [I Samuel 16:13] The Spirit came where the oil was placed.  It was the Spirit of the Lord that enabled David to kill the lion, the bear and the giant. The anointing enabled David to become all God proclaimed him to be. And it is the same for you and me.  We cannot accomplish our destiny assignments without the Spirit of the Lord strong in our lives. We need the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Our prayer should be, “God, please give us fresh oil!” 

FRESH OIL FOR A NEW SEASON

Why “fresh oil?” It isn’t because there is anything wrong with yesterday’s oil (or anointing.) It was perfect for that season. But we are entering a new season, and every new appointment requires a fresh ointment from God. Far too often the church tries to deal with today’s challenges by using yesterday’s oil. But new challenges demand fresh empowerment.  We see this truth lived out in the book that chronicles the first days of the Church. Acts 13:9 says, “Then, Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…” The Greek text indicates that this “filled with” is a fresh infilling at the moment.  When Paul faced a situation unlike any, he had faced, and with the Sorcerer withstanding him to his face, He received a fresh filling of the Spirit to do what was needed at the moment.

TRUST THE PROCESS

Today you and I face more significant personal challenges than ever, but we must refuse intimidation!  There is anointing reserved for these days. We receive fresh oil.  God knows what problems lie ahead, and He is prepared to release what is needed.  Refuse discouragement! Refuse dismay!  All who walk with God walk in His supernatural enablement. Hallelujah!

Nothing you face in this season of shaking and uncertainty is unknown to God. He is ready for it! He has a plan, and His plan includes pouring out and smearing in a fresh ointment for the new appointments you face! Make seeking Him your priority during this season of transition and receive the fresh oil you need for the season.

*Transitions are a regular part of our life, and I believe this word will help you navigate the changes. Take time to study Psalm 92 for yourself, and if you like, we have an audio version entitled, Navigating Transitions, available here: http://theliftstore.org/navigatingtransitionmp3. P.S. I AM STILL GIVING IT AWAY FOR FREE! JUST USE THE BIRTHDAY CODE! I know you will be stirred and blessed as you dive deeper into this revelation!

KEITHNIX.ORG

Keith Nix is the founding lead pastor of a thriving congregation, The Lift Church in Sevierville, Tennessee. [Visit www.TheLiftChurch.tv] He has traveled internationally since 1993 carrying a unique prophetic message of awakening to this generation. He and his wife, Margie, have one daughter, Isabella.