Oil Poured Out

Recently, I was reading the Song of Songs in the Old Testament which records a conversation between two lovers, a bride and her beloved bridegroom. Some liken this intimate love relationship to Christ and His Bride, the Church. In chapter one of this love story, the bride tells us this about her bridegroom, “Your anointing oils are fragrant, your name is oil poured out.” 

When I read this verse, it reminded me of something I heard as a child. Somewhere I was told that oil can calm turbulent waters. I heard adults use the phrase, “pour oil on troubled waters.” I started researching this to see if there was any truth to this claim. I discovered that there is, in fact, evidence that supports this.

According to an article in Sea Frontiers reprinted in the New York Times, oil does calm a turbulent sea surface. The right kind of oil released in the right way will create an oil film that keeps the wind from disturbing the surface of the sea. As little as a gallon of oil will smooth an area of thousands of square feet around a boat. 

I even watched a NOVA physics episode which demonstrated this phenomenon. In this video, a tablespoon of olive oil is poured into a lake. The oil spreads out to cover about half an acre and calms the waves. The oil becomes a barrier so that the wind cannot act directly on the water to create waves. 

Jesus can have this same calming effect on our souls, bringing peace to our chaotic seas of emotion. His Name is oil poured out. Invoking His Name and Presence is like oil poured out, creating a barrier against the plans of the enemy. 

I have always struggled with the verse in Psalm 46:10 that declares, “Be still and know that I am God.” I want to be still, but so often, my mind is distracted by the tyranny of the urgent or I am fretting over how to accomplish multiple tasks and meet obligations at the same time. 

Sometimes I feel like my soul is a churning sea of emotions, making it hard to focus on God or even the task at hand. The voices in my head are clamoring and I am powerless to make myself be still.

The other day when I was thinking again about this verse to, “Be still,” God brought another Scripture passage in Mark 4 to mind. After a long, tiring day of teaching, Jesus leaves the crowd behind to cross over with his disciples in a boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is asleep when a furious storm overtakes the boat. 

The waves are breaking over the boat and the boat fills with water. The disciples are afraid for their lives. Responding to their cries, Jesus gets up and speaks to the storm. Rebuking the wind and waves, He commands them to desist with these words, “Peace! Be still!” Everything is immediately still. The wind ceases and it is completely calm. 

The Greek word “peace” that Jesus uses in this passage is an imperative (a command) noun, siope, meaning the sea must be silent and mute. Jesus takes away its ability to “speak” and rage. Jesus overcame and conquered the storm. Jesus also declares, “Be still.” The Greek word is pefimoso meaning to muzzle, silence, and cause to be speechless.

I had an “aha” moment with God. Just as I was powerless to do one thing to earn my salvation and be reconciled with God, I am totally powerless to combat the chaos that sometimes reigns in my heart. Since I have realized this, I am asking Jesus to speak to my storm. 

I pray, “Lord Jesus, speak peace and stillness to the storm in me just like You did on the Sea of Galilee. Please command the accusing voice of my condemning enemy, Satan, to be silent and mute. Take away his ability to speak and rage against me. Muzzle any doubts and fears. Your Name is oil poured out, a fragrant gift of love and grace, quieting my heart. Be my barrier and buffer between all that would separate me from You and Your best for me.”

This prayer has made a huge difference in my thoughts and attitude. His Name is oil poured out. He brings me peace. Not peace as the world gives which only offers elusive, temporary pleasures or escapes from reality. Jesus gives me Shalom. This Hebrew word encompasses so much more than our western definition of peace. The definition of shalom includes harmony, wholeness, peace, completeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility. As I invite His Name to be poured out like oil in me, He brings an inner calm and tranquility to my soul that is not based on circumstance but is based in the power and Presence of Christ in me. 

May His Name be oil poured out in your life and may you know His Shalom peace!