“My cup overflow.” (Psalm 23 5)
I going to do three things this morning. First, I will reach back to some of my real experiences in life where my cup overflowed, literally. Second, I will reveal some figurative examples from my life when my cup overflowed. Third, I will be resourceful and share an excerpt from “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, “ a book written by Phillip Keller.
In my real-life experiences my cup overflowed when I did not keep my eye on the task at hand, simply pouring a hot cup of coffee in the work break room when someone caught my attention and I forgot what I was doing. The result was sort of a scalding and I gave myself the required scolding. On another occasion, In my real-life experiences, my cup overflowed intentionally as I did not trust the directions in the recipe. I either put too much, overcompensated on an ingredient, or I did not put enough, underestimating the accuracy of the recipe. The results were a meal where those served ate it, but they did not ask for seconds and I am pretty sure they graciously held back their negative feedback and instead said, “Nice dinner.” In both of the real-life experiences I have shared about my cup overflowing, I see lessons for Christian living. Sometimes Christians experience pain, get burnt by the reaping and sowing principle, because they lose focus, fail to keep their attention on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. At other times, we don’t follow the accuracy of the directions in the Scriptures, inspired by God Almighty, the authority on all matters, and when we don’t, the outcome is not good and is rightfully reviewed as a failing effort in heaven. The Holy Spirit will not hold back feedback.
As far as my figurative examples from my life, when my cup overflowed, I will just name a few. Maybe you can identify with them. When I God forgave me of my iniquities and transgressions, my cup overflowed with mercy. When the Lord continue to love me in spite of the times I leaned on my own understanding, my cup overflowed with grace, goodness, and the great patience of God. When I was having a “I don’t want to” inclination, my cup overflowed with the inspiration to do what the Lord wanted me to do. I’ve asked you before, but let me ask you again so you can reflect on your stories about your cup overflowing! Isn’t God good!
Now here is the excerpt from the book mentioned above. As I cleaned off my bookshelf, Keller’s book was one of the few books I decided not to give away. I did not know why at that time, but now I do. I had to share the following with you! As a shepherd, the author talks about how he helped his sheep who would lie down in distress, only to be cramped and chilled, after a storm where snow, sleet, and hail were sweeping in off the sea. This is what he wrote: “Then it was that my mixture of brandy and water came to their rescue. I’m sure the Palestinian shepherds must have likewise shared their wine with their chilled and frozen sheep. What a picture of my Master, sharing the wine, the very life blood of His own suffering from His overflowing cup, poured out at Calvary for me. He is with me in every storm. My Shepherd is alert to every approaching disaster that threatens His people. He has been through the storms of sufferings before. He bore our sorrows and was acquainted with our grief. And now no matter what storms I face, His very life and strength and vitality is poured into mine. It overflows so the cup of my life runs with His life…often with great blessing and benefit to others who see me stand up so well in the midst of trials and sufferings.”
Have a great Monday! And when someone ask you how are feeling, simply reply, “My cup overflows.” Be blessed!
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11 Amplified Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King