The Oil of Joy for Mourning
Monday, January 20, 2025 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

My new book, The Whole Bible Devotional, is available for purchase the from:

CLC Publications

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Please pray for all who read, to see Jesus more clearly and love Him more dearly. May God’s blessings overflow the heart of every reader!

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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