Living On Purpose In Christ | Christianity, Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Essential Oils, Journal Prompts

132 | Feeling Vulnerable? God’s Anointing Is About Protection, Not Your Performance

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Essential Oil Practitioner • Season 3

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Feeling worn thin by good intentions and endless to-dos? We open a gentle but powerful doorway back to peace by exploring the shepherd’s anointing—a vivid, ancient practice that reveals how God tends our minds and hearts before irritation turns into injury. Through a funny sunrise service story, grounded teaching in Psalm 23, and practical reflections on everyday spiritual rhythms, we offer Biblical encouragement that helps your walk with Jesus feel steady again, not strained. This is Christianity lived from rest, not performance, with simple devotions that fit real life and help you reconnect when you feel frayed, unseen, or overwhelmed.

We walk through the overlooked detail that sheep were anointed with oil for protection and healing, then connect it to the New Testament’s language of aleiphō (ἀλείφω)—anointing for care, not spectacle—through a brief Greek word study that makes the passage come alive. From there, we trace how the Holy Spirit now does within us what oil once did on the fleece: guarding thoughts from “infestation,” softening wounds before they harden into cynicism, and creating a cared-for inner environment where life can flourish. You’ll hear how peace, not pressure, becomes our most credible witness, and why people are drawn more to a non-anxious presence than to perfect words. We also share how sensory anchors through aromatherapy, like Rose of Sharon oil, can help slow our pace and center our attention during prayer—especially for those serving quietly, working from home, or feeling spiritually dry—and we’ll offer a few gentle guidance to help you process what God is restoring.

If your faith has felt like performance, consider this a reset. Covered people love more freely, choose wiser boundaries, and speak with weight because their words rise from rest. For a deeper step, join our online Bible study circle at EssentialFaithJourney.com to study Scripture, pray together, and learn to live "covered" while reaching others right where God has planted you. If this encouraged you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the peace their souls crave.

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Paula Behrens:

This episode is for the woman who loves the Lord and pours out for others, yet feels spiritually drained, weary, or simply worn out. We're going to reveal a deep scriptural truth often overlooked, the shepherd's anointing. But before we finish, I want to invite you into our online Bible study circle, a place where like-minded believers are learning how to live covered, cared for, and confident in Christ while reaching others right where God has planted them. So stick around because God wants to restore your soul today. And that is going to change everything. But first, funny story.

Paula Behrens:

During my early days as a pastor, I found myself appointed to a quaint little church in Chappell Hill, Texas, a place where the fields of blue bonnet stretched wide and the charm ran deep. We had planned a beautiful sunrise service, believing that watching the dark night give way to dawn would be a perfect backdrop to celebrate our Risen Lord. As the first streaks of light began to paint the sky, we started to sing one of our beloved Easter hymns. Now I must tell you, our voices carried all the passion of Good Friday and the anticipation of Easter morning. We sang with conviction, our hearts lifted high, especially when we began singing "Up from the grave He arose." But little did we know that our congregation was about to expand. Right on queue, off in the neighboring pasture, the cows began lowing and making their way to the fence, where they joined us in making a joyful noise unto the Lord. Watching the cows moo along with our singing was a reminder that a longing to worship really does extend across all of God's good creation, whether two-legged or four.

Paula Behrens:

In my personal faith walk, I've wrestled with the challenge of carving out consistent time for God. Some days the line blurred between hearing his voice and my own thoughts echoing back at me. But through life's ups and downs, I've discovered an amazing truth. Spiritual disciplines paired with the God-given gift of natural aromas or what we call essential oils today and create a profound space for clarity and connection. They help us slow down and tune in to God's quiet whispers. Let's talk about what this podcast has to offer. Each week, we delve into meaningful scripture, highlighting memory verses enriched with Greek word studies. If your spirit needs refreshing, you can start with daily devotionals that accompany your morning prayer, and you'll find that many of our episodes are infused with essential oil tips to enhance your focus so you can hear God's voice more clearly as you seek to clarify your unique calling.

Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, I know how exhausting it can be to chase after a devotional routine that's just not working for you, constantly restarting with good intentions while fighting through distractions that keep pulling you away from God. I've walked that path myself, that cycle of trying my best but falling short. That's precisely why I created the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour. It's a sacred space where we work together to develop a peace reset utilizing a complimentary essential oil sampler that I'll send to you ahead of our session. This unique approach will bring emotional alignment and clarity to your spiritual journey. Imagine stepping into a rhythm that truly refreshes your soul, anchoring you in God's presence for that lasting sense of calm you've been craving. This is your invitation to make it doable today. Save your seat now for an Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour plus peace reset at PaulaBehrens.com/coaching. That's Paula Behrens B E H R E N S .com/coaching (no spaces). It's time to start breathing peace into your walk with Jesus. All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal, cozy up to your favorite beverage, and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

You know, there's something deeply comforting to Christians when we are reminded that our faith is never meant to be lived from a place of striving, proving, or spiritual performance. At its core, the gospel invites us into rest, not passive rest, but shepherded rest. The kind of rest that comes from knowing someone else is watching over the vulnerable parts of our lives, even the ones we do not always recognize ourselves. For many believers today, especially those working from home, raising families, building businesses, or quietly serving in unseen ways, it can feel like the pressure to do more for God is constant. We want to reach others for Christ, but we are tired. We want to be faithful, but we feel exposed. We want to be effective, but sometimes we just feel spiritually dry. Scripture offers us a different picture, though. It invites us into the pasture, not the platform, into the care of the Shepherd, not the chaos of self-reliance. One of the most tender and overlooked images in the Bible is that of a shepherd anointing sheep with oil. This was not ceremonial, it was not symbolic fluff. It was practical, personal, and deeply protective. When David wrote, You anoint my head with oil, he was describing something he had likely done many times himself as a shepherd. Oil was survival, oil was mercy, oil was love in action.

Paula Behrens:

Now sheep are not strong animals, they are not fast, clever, or self-sufficient, they're vulnerable to terrain, weather, predators, and pests. A shepherd knew this. He didn't scold the sheep for being sheep. He cared for them accordingly. Oil was applied because sheep could not protect themselves from what they could not see coming. Tiny insects could cause enormous harm. A fly laying eggs in a sheep's nose could lead to infection, madness, or even death. The oil created a barrier that stopped destruction before it started. Oil was not earned. It was not requested eloquently. It was applied because the shepherd loved the sheep and understood the environment they lived in. This image becomes even more powerful when we remember that scripture repeatedly refers to God as our Shepherd and to us as his sheep. Jesus Himself said, I am the good shepherd. He didn't say he was a scorekeeper or a distant overseer. He said he was a shepherd who knows his sheep by name, who goes before them, and who lays down his life for them.

Paula Behrens:

When we read Psalm 23 through the lens of ancient shepherding practices, it comes alive in a new way. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. This isn't poetic exaggeration, it is practical reassurance. It means God notices the places where irritation could take root. He sees the wounds we have sustained from rocky paths. Harsh words. Unmet expectations and hidden grief. He knows the threats we cannot always articulate, and he applies what we cannot apply ourselves. For Christians, this Shepherd ing care reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The anointing is no longer external or occasional, it is internal and constant. The Holy Spirit does within us what oil once did upon sheep. What was once applied by hand is now poured out by grace. The Spirit protects our minds from infestation, He guards our hearts from bitterness and fear. He soothes wounds that would otherwise harden into cynicism. He creates an environment where life can flourish instead of decay. This doesn't mean we never experience hardship, though. Sheep still walked rocky paths, they still wandered, they still needed correction and guidance, but they were covered. This distinction matters. God's care doesn't remove us from reality, but it equips us within it.

Paula Behrens:

Many Christians today are not struggling because they lack faith. They are struggling because they are living as though they were uncovered. Scripture tells us that barren ground is where things break down, crack open, and become vulnerable. Shame thrives where wounds are ignored. Fear multiplies where irritation is untreated. Discouragement settles in where protection is asserted rather than received. But oil changes the environment. Oil keeps irritation from embedding itself. Oil keeps life flowing. Oil makes the ground cared for instead of cracked. In Christ, your life is cared for ground. This truth becomes especially important when we think about reaching others for Christ. Many believers feel pressure to evangelize in ways that well feel unnatural or forced. They believe they must be bold, outspoken, and constantly have the perfect words to be effective. But shepherding care produces a different kind of testimony. Covered people carry peace. Anointed people exude stability. Protected hearts create safe spaces for others to ask questions, share pain, and encounter truth.

Paula Behrens:

When you live from a place of being cared for, you reach others without striving. Your life becomes an invitation rather than a performance. Your words carry weight because they flow from rest rather than obligation. People are drawn to the oil of your life, even if they cannot name it. The New Testament speaks often of anointing, and it constantly points to God's initiative rather than our effort.

Paula Behrens:

One of the key Greek words used for anointing is aleiphō (ἀλείφω). This word refers to the practical application of oil for care, healing, and refreshment. It's not the word used for kings being crowned or priests being set apart ceremonially. It is the word used for soothing wounds, refreshing the body, and tending to needs. Aleiphō (ἀλείφω) appears in passages where oil is used to minister to physical and emotional needs. In James, believers are instructed to pray over the sick and anoint them with oil. Although God created the oil as a healing agent, the emphasis is not only on the oil, but also on the loving action it represents and the God who responds. This word choice matters. James intentionally chose a word that communicates tenderness rather than spectacle. He wanted us to understand that God's anointing is not distant or dramatic. It is close, personal, and attentive. It is the shepherd kneeling beside the sheep, not the ruler observing from afar.

Paula Behrens:

You know, there's a beautiful connection here to biblical oils, particularly the oil known as Rose of Sharon, often associated with the plant cistus. This plant has long been valued for its resin, fragrance, and soothing properties. In Scripture, the phrase Rose of Sharon evokes imagery of beauty, abundance, and presence in unlikely places. While interpretations vary, the symbolism is rich and layered. This oil produces a resin, historically used in perfumes, ointments, and healing preparations. It was also the oil most often used by shepherds caring for the sheep. It was valued not because it was flashy, but because it was effective. It offered comfort, protection, and aroma, and it aligns beautifully with the shepherd's oil. It was not about appearance, it was about care. Rose of Sharon has a soft, honey-like scent, and it has a powerful way of grounding us, reminding us of God's presence and anchoring our attention in Him. If you don't have this oil yet, it's a wonderful choice for deep emotional comfort and spiritual reassurance during prayer time. Be sure to get in touch with me and I'll help you get started. My email is hello@paulabehrens.com. That's hello @ Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S .com (no spaces).

Paula Behrens:

When used prayerfully, oils like Rose of Sharon can serve as sensory anchors. They remind us that God's care is not abstract. It is embodied. It is tangible. It meets us where we are. Just as shepherds used oil daily, we are invited to remember daily that we are tended to. This matters deeply for believers who feel isolated, especially those working from home or serving quietly behind the scenes. When your days blur together and your efforts feel unseen, it's easy to forget that the shepherd's care is constant. But oil was applied daily, not just in crisis. When we apply the oils today, it does the same. It reminds us that God's attention is not situational, but instead it is sustained.

Paula Behrens:

Living from this truth changes how we approach ministry and mission. Reaching others for Christ doesn't begin with strategy, it begins with being covered. When you know you are protected, you are freer to love. When you know you are attended to, you are more patient with others. When you know you are not alone, you stop operating from fear. Now, people are not drawn to perfection, they are drawn to peace. They are not persuaded by pressure, they are softened by presence. When the oil of God's care is evident in your life, it becomes a testimony without words. Your consistency, kindness, and calm become visible markers of the Shepherd's work within. This does not mean you never share your faith verbally. It means your words are supported by your way of being. Your faith feels safe to approach because it's rooted in grace rather than judgment. You become someone others can talk to, confide in, and trust.

Paula Behrens:

The shepherd's anointing also reminds us that God addresses things early. He doesn't wait for infestation to become infection. He doesn't wait for irritation to become devastation. He intervenes lovingly and proactively. That is why staying close to Him matters. It's not about rule keeping, it's about staying within reach of his care. Many Christians carry wounds that have never been soothed because they believed they needed to heal themselves. They've carried shame that was never meant to take root. They've endured spiritual dryness because they thought it was normal. But the Shepherd still anoints with oil. That care did not stop at the cross. It was secured by it. Jesus didn't die to make us anxious servants. He died to make us secure sons and daughters. The Holy Spirit now dwells within us, continually tending, protecting, and guiding. The anointing does not run out, the supply does not diminish. The care does not expire. When you live aware of that reality, your life becomes fertile ground. Seeds of truth take root. Conversations open naturally. Opportunities arise organically.

Paula Behrens:

As we come to the end of this episode, I want to remind you that you are not surviving on your own. You are not exposed. You are not overlooked. Your Shepherd knows the terrain you walk, the threats you face, and the wounds you carry. And he's already applied what you could not. If this message stirred something within you, if you are longing for a place to grow deeper in Scripture while living from rest instead of pressure, I want to invite you to join us in our Bible study circle. This is an online community where believers gather to study the word, pray together, and learn how to live "covered" while reaching others right where God has planted them. You know, you don't have to do this alone. The Shepherd often uses community as part of his care. So go right now to essentialfaithjourney.com and check it out. That's Essential Faith Journey .com (no spaces). I'd love to walk alongside you as we learn together what it truly means to live on purpose in Christ, covered by His grace, guided by His truth, and anointed by a love that never runs out.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more listeners like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His Wisdom. See you next time.

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Paula Behrens

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