The Cup Thing
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." Psalm 28:7
Thank you, my Lord.
It is no secret that we are in a culture of "self". The topic of self care is all the rage these days and I often come across this statement:
"You can't pour from an empty cup so take care of yourself first."
It sounds logical enough. It is not really an untrue claim that you can't pour from an empty cup. This is where the deception lies (no pun intended!). Oh that wretched serpent! He's after us again so beware. While yes, we absolutely need rest and we must take care of ourselves, this whole self-serving mentality behind the quoted statement above is crippling to a body of believers who are being called to "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3
Rest is a command of God. It's even one of the big ten. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8. There are many passages of scripture to help unveil what all keeping the Sabbath entails, but we will leave that explanation for another time. The point is that God certainly requires rest of us, particularly rest with Him.
What about dealing with the burnouts of life? I wonder if we actually did a better job honoring the Sabbath, would we experience such a thing? If we set better personal boundaries in place and recognized our priorities and limits, would we be able to enjoy our days much more. I want us all to enjoy our days! What a way to be grateful. The claim above that "you can't pour from an empty cup" remains to be countered so let's do so. Scripture has already addressed that cup.
"..My cup overflows." Psalm 23:5
If we are rooted in Jesus Christ, then an empty cup is not a problem that we will ever face so do not be fooled, dear one! The more that we pour out in the name of God and obey His commands, the more that He will replenish and restore us. Astounding! A movement in an entire nation's culture is fully debunked by these three simple words.
"Thanks be to God, who gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
More scripture to consider on the matter:
”Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Philippians 2:17
”He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3
”In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Acts 20:35
”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
There are many more. What scripture do you find most motivating when you’re feeling drained? Let me know!