How Do We Get to the Overflow?
- Dava Caballero with Mary Jane Godina
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Which portion of the 23rd Psalm are you in today? Would you say your cup is empty or full?If you’ve been walking with Jesus long enough, you will have discovered that it’s not a linear experience. This blessed journey seems to go in cycles, from stage to stage – from glory to glory. At times you’re in a green meadow being fed. Other times you’re by quiet waters, resting and being restored. Often, the Shepherd King holds your tired body in His arms and carries you. And then there’s the valley of the shadow of death – where darkness hides the sun and fear tempts us to forget God’s promises.
Oh how the valley calls us to the mountain! Yes, the mountaintop is where I'd rather be. Beautiful. Exhilarating. But the mountaintop experiences never seem to last quite as long as we desire. In fact, much of our journey lies in the valley. It stands to reason then, that the valley is exactly where God sets the table.
The valley serves a purpose. It cultivates true FAITH. The dark season may seem long. Our stomachs growl and we yearn for the promised meal – our forks poised. From God’s perspective, we must look like impatient toddlers who would gladly forgo a nourishing meal for a sugary lollipop. The Wise Shepherd doesn’t serve junk food, nor does He settle for fast food. No, the King only serves a healthy gourmet meal with aged wine. That’s the part of the meal that I want to get to – the overflowing cup. We are a malnourished, dehydrated people – thirsty for the living water only Jesus can supply.
A friend of mine recently asked how to make it through the sad days until you get to the promises. I’ve asked similar questions: How long do I have to be in this difficult place? What about my loneliness now? God’s answer often encompasses some form of “keep your eyes on me.” After all, He knows where the table is set and He knows how to get us there.
True, everyone’s journey may look a little different. However, scripture absolutely provides practical and foundational instructions. Studying the living Word of God also facilitates keeping our eyes on Him. As we look to Him, He makes the way clear and bearable. If our eyes hold steady on His glorious face, we won’t be distracted by the darkness surrounding us. He even makes the journey joyful if we allow Him! How can that be, you ask? Because He is the fullness of Joy. Abiding in Christ means we also abide in who He is – love, joy, peace, patience, and all that is good. (Galatians 5:22-23)
I know what you’re thinking: “easier said than done.” True. But let's just see what the roadmap in Romans 12 says. . .
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ~Romans 12:11-12
Hope - is steadfast assurance of God’s goodness to us. The hard times won’t last forever. Patience - matures us. His mercy and grace transform us.
Prayer of Faith - “avails much” (James 5:16)
All of these exercises are our response to the Shepherd King who was and is first loving, faithful, and patient with us. Through prayer, worship, and Bible study, we yield to His embrace and focus on Him. So, we keep our “spiritual fervor” with. . .
Surrender – The only job of the lamb is to surrender to the Shepherd.
Obedience – Following the Shepherd brings us to the green pastures, quiet waters, and restoration, provision, and protection from the Shepherd. It takes faith to walk in the valley of the shadow of death. Death to self means denying our selfish desires and living God's Kingdom of Light.
Gratitude – Next level relationship with the Shepherd breaks through when we are “thankful on the gray days,” as a friend once instructed me during a time of loss. Losing sight of thankfulness blocks us from the table.
This mindset helps posture our hearts and allow us to gain fresh perspective on our situation. As we follow these directives, we make ready our empty cups for overflow. Surrender, obedience, and gratitude keep us connected to the Vine. (John 15)
There's another important step that cannot be overlooked. We must learn to be still. Psalm 23 doesn’t just say God fills the cup. It says it overflows. Not barely enough. Not scraping the bottom. Not surviving. Overflow means abundance. But here’s the key — you cannot overflow if you are not first willing to sit and be filled.
Many of us are constantly pouring out. Pouring into work. Pouring into family. Pouring into friendships. Pouring into ministry. But when was the last time you paused long enough to let God pour into You? God is not asking you to perform or to prove anything. He’s not asking you to have it all together. He’s simply saying: Come. Sit. Receive.
I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord. ~Psalm 116:13
We must prepare ourselves to catch and receive overflow. Then, something even better happens. Our overflow multiplies. You see, we don’t seek overflow only for ourselves. Our God is all about relationship. Overflow enables us to minister to each other. Remember that we are not alone on this journey! We are not alone at the table of God! Our heads are anointed with oil for a purpose.
Don’t allow hardship to keep you in the dark. Come to the table He has prepared for you. Drink from the Rock of our salvation, the Well that never runs dry, and be filled to overflow.
Thank you, Yahweh, our Good Shepherd and Kind, for leading, guiding, comforting, protecting, providing, and preparing us. We hold out our cup for the filling. “Pressed down, shaken together, and running over” as we trust in you. (Luke 6:38)
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