Overflowing Cup

Envy, such a strong word, such a strong feeling. You have seen it in movies. You have heard it from neighbors. You have felt it yourself, and you know exactly where that would lead. You saw your neighbor’s green yard and wondered about your yellowish one. You saw your friend’s polish sports sedan and you wondered about your old clunk. You saw your friend’s new dress, brand name purse, new shoes and you thought about your old clothes, your wal-mart purse and your lack of shoes.

Envy starts when we focus on what we don’t have instead of what we have, when we spend all our energy thinking “if I could only have that, I would be happy.” But you and I both know from our experiences that it would only lead us wanting more. Envy doesn’t end when we get what we think we want or need, envy ends when we simply change our focus and our awareness. Instead of focusing on our diminishing items let’s try focusing on our unending items. Instead of being aware of what we don’t have let’s try being aware of our abundance.

David wrote in Psalm 23:5, “My cup overflows with blessings.” The overflowing cup was a powerful symbol in the days of David. Hosts in the ancient East used it to send a message to the guest. As long s the cup was kept full, the guest knew he was welcome. But when the cup sat empty, the host was hinting that the hour was late. ON those occasions, however, when the host really enjoyed the company of the person, he filled the cup to overflowing. He didn’t stop when the wine reached the rim; he kept pouring until the liquid ran over the edge of the cup and down on the table.

Have you noticed how wet your table is? God wants you to stay. Your cup overflows with joy. Overflows with grace. Shouldn’t your heart overflow with gratitude?

Contentment – be aware of your abundance and focus on God’s blessings to you!