My cup overflows...

"You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows." Psalm 23:5

Have you read the 23rd Psalm lately? If not, do it again now, and really take care as you read it. It's one of those passages that we know by heart and because of that, we can recite the words without really noticing them or the message they bring. 

Have you noticed that all the verbs are present tense? This is not a one-time thing. God's blessings not only overflow, but they are ongoing. He does it because he loves us, and because he wants us to have some great things to share with others to help and encourage them. 

Think about it: God prepares a feast for us "in the presence of my enemies". He blesses us and fills us so everyone can see that he is God. Even our enemies have to see his abundance in the lives of his children. What a testimony!

This does not mean earthly riches make one person holier or more spiritual than someone else. In fact it is usually not about earthly riches at all. It can be, and there is certainly nothing wrong with having money or begin financially well off - as long as we acknowledge the source of that wealth. 

God's blessings overflow in our lives every day in ways that we often take for granted. Are you able to climb a flight of stairs? When you grumble about having to park on the far side of the parking lot do you also take a moment to thank God that you can walk that far? When you fork out money for a home repair that was not expected do you also remember to be grateful for your warm, safe home, and for the ability to pay for that repair? 

We take breathing for granted until we see someone with end-stage COPD who loses their breath just because they moved their arm. 

We complain about having to work without thinking of the millions of people who would love to have a job t go to each day.

We complain about having to curb our eating and exercise just to lose weight, and then we see someone who would give anything to be able to exercise every day. 

We want a new car, but do we take time to thank God for the one we have that is paid off?

As you go through the day today let your mind meditate on the blessings God has poured into your life. Make a list. Start a gratitude journal and develop the habit of listing blessings each day. You will be completely blown away by what you can list, and the more you focus on blessings the more aware you will be of what God is doing every day in your life. 

So...how has God blessed you today? Please take a moment to post a one word comment about your greatest blessing. 

Thank you for sharing today. I have prayed for you. 

Sherri