A statement I read a few days ago has stayed on my mind throughout this holiday week. It was, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
How true these words!
I think many of us try to pour from empty cups, especially during the busy holiday season. Starting a couple weeks before Thanksgiving, the world around us becomes way too busy – almost chaotic. People begin to scurry about trying to get everything done for Thanksgiving and then we are catapulted into Christmas which only brings more busyness.
During times like these we can forget to fill ourselves up with God and His Word, thereby becoming way too empty, much too fast. When we are empty, we have nothing to give and trust me when I say, this world needs what we have to offer. Therefore, it is imperative we stay filled to the full of the Word of God.
God desires for us to remain filled to the brim with Him and His Word. Why? Because He knows that is where our life flows from. Peace comes from staying filled with Him. Everything flows from what is on the inside of us – if what is inside of us is God and His Word, then success will flow.
Psalms 1 says…Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
This Psalm describes a person who is filled to the brim with the Word of God. To be filled means to be made full, to occupy to full capacity, also, to satiate, to have plenty, to satisfy.
This person ALWAYS bears fruit. He never withers and everything he sets his hands to prospers – because he stays filled with the Word of God.
David said it this way in Psalm 23, “My cup runneth over.” This too is a man who is filled with God.
Today, I must ask, “Is your cup running over? Are you filled to the brim with God and His Word?
Is the Word of God coming out of your mouth? Are you reacting to situations or are you responding in a godly way? Is your cup running over or are you trying to pour from an empty cup?”
Does it seem you’re short-tempered or snippy right now? Is the stress of this season getting to you already? I saw this over the weekend when I went shopping with my sister and mom. Everyone seemed to be rushing about, few had smiles on their face – they were just trying to get things done and get it over with. Hmmm. Do you think that is how Jesus would want us to respond to this season?
Let’s not forget – Jesus is the reason for THIS season and EVERY season.
Let’s remember, it’s all about love. For God so LOVED the world that He gave His ONLY son…for you and I. Should we then not make the effort to stay filled with God and pour out that love to the souls who are empty around us?
My friends decide today to enjoy this holiday season. To stay in peace by keeping your mind and heart stayed upon God. To stay filled with Him by spending daily time in His Word and in His presence – from that place alone, the abundant life of God will flow.
Make a firm decision now that you will not attempt to pour from an empty cup but like David, your cup will run over, and that overflow will encourage and fill those around you each and every day. Keep God in your heart and a smile on your face – that’s what this world needs.
In this season – let’s show them Jesus! Let’s show them love. Let’s pour out the fullness of who He is in us – to them. That’s the absolute best gift we can give.
My prayer for you today is….May there be a continual flow of abundance as you consistently sow the Word into your heart and mind…and may life – the very life of God – flow into you and out of you…this holiday season.
