The Oil of Joy for Mourning

By Melissa McLaughlin

The antique table glistened in the morning light. The sun beamed through the living room window, spotlighting this treasured piece of furniture in golden radiance.

The old kidney-shaped table rests near the picture window in my parents’ home. The gently curving legs and warm wood finish bring a simple grace to the room.

Each month, my mom faithfully polishes the surface with wood oil and a soft cloth. The table is not expensive but cherished, because my parents received it after my aunt passed away as a young adult. It may not hold a substantial earthly value, but the sentimental value is priceless.

Unlike modern furniture with a high gloss finish, this antique table requires oil to maintain its quality. Interestingly, wood oil has many benefits. Oil provides moisture, which protects the wood from cracking. It also enhances the wood’s natural beauty and hides imperfections.

The transformation of my parent’s antique table, after being rubbed with oil, is truly amazing.

The oil revives the wood grain’s luster and sets it aglow with new life.

This example from the natural world reminds me of spiritual lessons from the Bible.

Last week, we studied Isaiah 61:1-3 and contemplated the beauty God brings from ashes. This week, we will dive into this passage again as we consider “the oil of joy for mourning.”

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV)

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted…
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

What does “the oil of joy for mourning” mean?

Priests and kings in the Bible received anointing oil as part of their consecration to the Lord (1 Samuel 16:13-14).

However, in ancient Israel, people also applied oil to their skin for common uses, because of the hot and dry climate. The oil brought refreshment, moisture, and renewal (Ruth 3:3).

During times of mourning, the ashes on people’s heads represented their inner grief. In contrast, at joyful celebrations, oil caused people’s faces to glow, highlighting their inner delight.

Though we deal with many sorrows in this life, our deepest pain is the sin that separates us from God. Therefore, Christ is the real Joy-Bringer. He built a bridge across that great chasm by laying down His life on the cross to atone for our sins.

Jesus forgives, redeems, restores us, and assures us of our seat at the wedding feast of the Lamb. We are loved by the King! We will rejoice with Him forever! May our hearts radiate the unshakable soul-joy He won for us.

Today, may we wash off the ashes of regret, negative thoughts, and mourning. May the oil of joy from the Lord seep into our innermost beings. Lord Jesus, help us shine from the inside out. Light our faces with your glory and hope!

What Bible verses help you focus on the joy of the Lord? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Update for My Readers

I am grateful and thrilled to report that my book, The Whole Bible Devotional, is on schedule for the release date: January 28, 2025!

We will launch the book in one week! Praise the Lord!

The Whole Bible Devotional is available for pre-order. If you haven’t placed your order, I hope you will! You can purchase the book from:

CLC Publications

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Rakuten Kobo

Please continue to pray for the book launch team members and everyone who is helping prepare for the book’s release. May God’s blessings overflow each heart! Please pray for all who will read the book after its release. May each one see Jesus more clearly and love Him more dearly.

The Whole Bible Devotional Book Cover
The Whole Bible Devotional. Quote by Melissa A. McLaughlin
The Oil of Joy for Mourning

12 thoughts on “The Oil of Joy for Mourning”

  1. Oil is used for many purposes. I think of the way oil reacts in cooking. Also, the grandkids and I have used oil in science experiments. Thank you for the reminders of how oil was used in the Bible. Yes, I pray we remember the oil of joy given from God. Have a blessed week! 🙂

    Reply
    • I love those additional examples, Melissa! My husband mentioned some other uses of oil. How easily we overlook an everyday item like oil. But it impacts our lives in countless ways. Just like the God who created the oil! May the oil of joy from the Lord refresh and fill us with joy today. God bless you!

      Reply
  2. Nothing to do with the story, but can you share exactly what oil was (is) used? A brand name, or what you use to make the oil?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Somewhere we have oil furniture polish. It works beautifully on real wood surfaces. My favorite verse on this might be, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” God calls His people out of mourning for what was lost to joy for what is and what will be.

    Reply
  4. Melissa, I loved hearing about the meaning behind this phrase. And this: “May the oil of joy from the Lord seep into our innermost beings.” Hallelujah! Simply beautiful. God bless.

    Reply
  5. So good! I love Psalm 16:11, which talks about how “in your presence there is fullness of joy.” Beautiful reflection!

    Reply

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