When you think of the word ‘over’, we initially think of something that is done, and complete. When the word over is used in conjunction with another word it tends to have a completely different connotation, in excess of or abundance. It’s out of this place of abundance and overflow that God expects us to give of ourselves and our resources, not out of our lack. Now this is not to say that we are not to give sacrificially wherever we are at the moment according to the leading of The Holy Spirit, but it is to say that like Abraham, God wants to bless us so He can make us a blessing to others.
If we are constantly only giving out of a state of ‘just enough’ or less, we will never have enough for ourselves and the ones we are committed to having enough for, like our family. We are to have a cup that runs over so we can give from that cup that runs over. In fact, I heard a speaker once mention that our cup should be consistently running over so we are able to give out of our saucer instead! Now that’s a cool image for me to hold on to. When I picture overwhelm; however, I picture an abundance of negatives as opposed to what Christ died to give us, a life of true joy and abundance.
For many, it is just a shift in our thinking that will move us from the state of overwhelm to overflow. A shift in mindset, a shift in the way we live our lives, a shift in how we do certain things. In essence, it all begins with one thing… a decision, our decision. It is our decision to stop getting the same old negative results by simply changing the input into our life’s process. A new input, such as a positive thought-life will create a new positive output. You’ve all heard the saying, “garbage in, garbage out”. So for us who are looking for better results, perhaps our new motto should be “greatness in, greatness out”.
Giving out of your overflow simply means giving out of a new perspective and no longer even from just a glass half-full. We are ever so blessed to have the opportunity to bring ourselves to new heights ensuring we bring others along with us. So if all it takes is a decision to move from a place of overwhelm to a place of overflow, the question is… what’s holding back your decision?
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Psalm 23:4-6 (KJV)
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:38 (KJV)
What areas of your life could do with some positive overflow? Love, finances, time… fun? Drop us a line and join the conversation!