Overflowing

“My cup runneth over” Psalm 23:5

This is another phrase that I had never given much thought to. Whenever I read this portion of the psalm, the meaning is quite literal and obvious. I see in my mind’s eye a cup, being poured into and spilling over the edges.

But what does that mean in the context of “The Lord is my Shepherd”? As with much of the poetic language in this psalm, it is difficult to give a definitive answer. But the picture is just that—a picture—and I think it is one that reminds us of an important aspect of our Shepherd’s provision.

The word for cup here comes from a root word that means to hold together, and does actually mean exactly what we see in this verse. It is used literally and symbolically throughout the Old Testament, often in a figurative context.

For example, you will find many references to the cup of God’s wrath or judgment, and to the cup of sorrow or desolation. In these instances, it is the picture of a cup full with its contents, often being poured out (especially in the case of judgment.)

The phrase “runneth over” is actually less literal than I had expected, and is really where the lesson lies for us here. You see, while “runneth over” is a reasonable and good translation of the word, especially in light of the context here, the word itself has the idea of satisfaction. It comes from a word meaning satisfied or satiated.

To put it into the realm of sheepherding, our Shepherd fills the water trough fully, completely, even to overflowing—and He keeps it full! God has given us blessings that never run out, and are never diminished in the using. Here are just a few of them:

Salvation:

“What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:13

For any and all who have trusted Christ for salvation, this is a blessing that never fails, and can never be revoked or reduced. As our Good Shepherd Himself said,

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck hem out of My hand. My Father, which gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30

It is the hand of our Shepherd—the very grip of the Triune God—that keeps our cup of salvation eternally full to the brim. Not a drop can escape, once we are in the Shepherd’s hands.

No wonder Isaiah proclaims,

“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” (12:3)

Strength:

Isaiah 26:4 tells us to,

“Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”

Put this together with Paul’s prayer for his fellow believers to be “strengthened with might” (Ephesians 3:16), or even “Strengthened with all might” (Colossians 1:11) we have the joyful conclusion that we can be strengthened with God’s strength. After all, we have Jesus’ own words, which tell us,

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The everlasting strength of God is at our disposal as we humbly yield to Him in our weakness. This truly is a cup of blessing filled to overflowing!

Joy

If you are like me, there are days when joy seems in short supply. But is it really? Isaiah 35:10 gives us a picture of how things will be in the future, when Christ returns and all is set right again:

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Won’t that be a glorious day? But here and now, in the midst of this sin-cursed world, how can we say that joy is one of God’s many overflowing blessings? Consider what these verses tell us about joy in the midst of our difficult world:

“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:21-25)

“Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” (Colossians 1:11)

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, a result of His power working within. We are to be joyful even in the midst of trials and persecution, and not only joyful—God’s design for our joy is that it be full. The word used in the verse from John literally means crammed, it is the picture of something full beyond capacity.

Here again is the idea of not just sufficient joy, but so much it has to be pressed in to fit the measure!

And notice that joy is a product of the Spirit, not of our circumstances. The saved in Christ always have access to the Spirit of God—He lives inside us, after all! Thus we have a never-empty well of joy to draw from, if only we will!

Salvation, strength, joy—these are just a few of the many facets of God’s neverending supply of blessing, poured freely out on us as we simply, trustingly follow our Shepherd.

If ever you feel lacking in any of these areas, dear Reader, it is a sign that you need to get close to Him, to renew your focus and enjoy the overflowing cup of His blessings.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19