As 2022 comes to an end, do you find yourself feeling energized and excited about this season? Or are you feeling completely depleted and empty? Sadly, for many, the latter is the case: They find themselves feeling empty, even as they continue trying to pour life into others. There’s only one problem with that: You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Pray for your fellow intercessor.
How true are these words!
Trying to pour into others while being empty oneself is not uncommon, especially during this busy holiday season. Starting in the weeks before Thanksgiving, the world around us becomes way too busy — almost chaotic. We scurry about, trying to get everything done for Thanksgiving, and then we are catapulted into Christmas, which only brings us more busyness. The next thing we know, we are in a new year, wondering what happened to the old one.
During seasons like this, we can easily forget to fill ourselves up with God and His word, thereby becoming way too empty, much too fast. When we are empty, we have nothing to give. Trust me when I say it: This world needs what we have to offer, especially during this holiday season. Therefore, it is imperative that we stay filled to all fullness with the word of God. Everything we have need of is found in Him, including peace for the current season and beyond.
Isaiah 9:6 says: … his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
“Prince of Peace” … are you feeling peace this Christmas season?
The word for peace in this scripture is shalom. However, the word “peace” alone does not do shalom justice. When a Jewish person greets someone with the word “shalom,” the greeter is not saying “have a nice day.” That person is saying: “May all that you need for your well-being come to you this day.” That, my friend is shalom — and those are the attributes of the Prince of Peace. Everything you need for your well-being is found in Jesus. If you want shalom, then you must come to Him, for He is the only one who can give it.
When Jesus said, “Without me, you can do nothing,” He meant it. All that is necessary for us to have a life of well-being and peace is to be continually filled with Him and His word. This is where our life flow originates: Everything flows from what is on the inside of us. If what is inside of us is God and His word, then success will flow. Peace will flow. Fullness will flow.
The Bible describes the blessedness of the man who delights himself in the Lord and continually meditates on His word: He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:3 NKJV).
This psalm describes a person filled to the brim with the word of God. To be filled means to be made full, to occupy to full capacity; also, to satiate, to have plenty, to satisfy. This person always bears fruit. He never withers, and everything to which he sets his hand will prosper, because he stays filled with the word of God; he is never empty.
David said it this way in Psalm 23: “My cup runneth over.” This, too, is a man who is filled with God. How about you — is your cup running over? Are you filled to the brim with God and His word?”
Is the word of God coming out of your mouth? Are you reacting to situations, or are you responding in a godly way? Is your cup of peace and well-being overflowing, or are you trying to pour from an empty cup?
Let’s not forget: Jesus is the reason for this season and every season. Decide today to enjoy this holiday season; to stay in peace by keeping your mind and heart stayed upon God; to remain filled with Him by spending time daily in His Word and in His presence. From that place alone the abundant life of God will flow.
Make up your mind that you will not attempt to pour anything from an empty cup, but that instead, your cup, like David’s, will run over, and that this overflow will then encourage and fill up those around you. Keep God in your heart and a smile on your face; that’s what this world needs — that, and an overflowing of the love of God. That’s the absolute best gift we can give.
My prayer for you today:
May there be a continual flow of abundance as you consistently sow the word into your own heart and mind; and may life — the very life of God — flow into you and out of you throughout 2023.
If this article has encouraged you, please share it and encourage others. And post your prayer in the comments.
Kim Potter is a writer and the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life. To receive her daily inspirational writings, go to www.anewthingministries.com. Photo Credit: Unsplash.