Our Lenten Journey... What is your cup filled with?

---

"My cup runneth over."
~ Psalm 23:5

Years ago the Psalmist penned the 23rd Psalm.  It is read at most funerals, or in time of great challenges.  At one point David writes that the Lord, who is the shepherd, sits him at a table with all of his enemies, and anoints his head with oil, and then fills his cup until it is overflowing.

For me, this Psalm provides a lot of comfort.  As a chaplain, I memorized this Psalm years ago, and because it does often bring comfort, I would recite this in the hospital room.  It's amazing that even in some of the most challenging circumstances, those in the room might join in.

I will sometimes ask a person what this Psalm means to them, and what fills their cup?

The thought at first is that this cup is overflowing with blessings, but for many, the cup is filled with pain, sorrow, and worries.  

Sometimes our sorrow, or the events of this world, overwhelms us so much that we no longer can believe in joy.
Life just seems to be a cup filled to the brim with war, violence, rejection, loneliness, and endless disappointments.

It is these times that we must be reminded that crushed grapes can produce tasty wine.

It might be hard for us to trust that any joy can come from our sorrow, or pain. It makes me wonder if I were to change certain habits in my life, would I begin to notice a new aroma coming from my cup of blessing?

I love the song, "The joy of the Lord is my strength." It serves as a reminder to me that the things I seek out is what fills my cup.

Though the joy that seemed to be lost may be found again, the things of the world, and the things that create sorrow, which we really can't seem to ignore, may actually become livable.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

---

Dear Lord, while I know You seek after me when it comes to goodness and mercy, may I look at my cup before me and discover that You have filled it with love, peace and joy.  Amen.

---