Transitions are a normal part of living. If we are growing and moving forward, we regularly experience them. Most likely you are right now in a transitional season of life. Look around at our world. We are in a time of severe shaking; politically, economically, socially and personally. Confusion abounds everywhere. Everyone has a plan, and each plan seems to contradict and conflict with the others. Prophecy is becoming our reality “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also heaven” (Heb. 12:26). There is indeed a whole lot of shaking going on. But it is not all demonic. God is shaking things up to bring his people into a place of alignment with His purpose. Trust Him. The outcome will be glorious even when the transition seems tedious. Be encouraged: The Lord has fresh oil for you during this season of change!
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.
The ninety-second psalm is written specifically for the transitional season. This psalm holds important keys to your success. There are at least six keys to transition I see in this passage, but primary among them is the promise found in verse 10, “You have anointed me with fresh oil.” Oil in the Bible is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. To anoint means to “pour out” and “to smear into.” Anointing with oil represents the Holy Spirit coming to a person to enable him or her to accomplish what would otherwise be impossible for them.
When David was anointed to be king of Israel the Scripture says, “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.” (1 Sam. 16:13). It was the Spirit of the Lord that enabled David to kill the lion, the bear and the giant. It was the spirit of the Lord that enabled David to become all God proclaimed him to be. So, it is for us. We cannot do what needs to be done without the Spirit of the Lord being mighty in our lives. We need anointing! We need fresh oil.
Why “fresh oil?” It isn’t because there is anything wrong with yesterday’s oil (or anointing.) It was perfect for that season. But today we are in 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 read in Acts 13:9, “Then, Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit …” Paul faced a situation unlike any he had ever faced before, and as the Sorcerer withstood him, the text indicates that Paul received a fresh filling of the Spirit and a great miracle occurred.
Today you and I are facing greater challenges than ever before, but we need not be intimidated! We can expect to be “anointed with fresh oil.” God has anointing reserved for the days we are living in. He knows what challenges lie ahead of you, and He is prepared to pour on you exactly what you need for this day. Do not be discouraged, and don’t give into dismay. Those who walk with God will walk in His supernatural enablement. Nothing you will 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 on you fresh oil 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 at www.KeithNix.net. I know you will be stirred and blessed as you dive deeper into this revelation. {eoa}
Keith Nix is the founding lead pastor of a thriving congregation, The Lift Church in Sevierville, Tennessee. He has traveled as an international evangelist since 1993, carrying a unique prophetic message of awakening to this generation. He and his wife, Margie, have one daughter, Isabella. You can learn more by visiting www.KeithNix.net or www.TheLiftChurch.tv.
