- photo by Susan PageMy question today is, “How do we fill our cup when we are running on empty?” There is an old chorus that speaks to what I wish to share.

Fill my cup, Lord
I lift it up, Lord
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul
Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole

Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Richard Blanchard Fill My Cup, Lord lyrics © Word Music, Llc

As Christ-followers we want to be used by Him to show others the hope we have, especially during times of high anxiety and uncertainty. We cannot do this from a place of exhaustion and emptiness. We must go to the well, the source of living water, our place of refreshment.

Perhaps you can relate to the woman of Samaria whose response to Jesus’ request for water was, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep.” Our tender Shepherd Jesus, our source of refreshment said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman responded, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” After Jesus conversed with her further, she realized that He must be a prophet. Jesus told her that He was indeed the Messiah. The woman from Samaria went on to do ministry by proclaiming what Jesus had told her. She was new, refreshed, revived, and bubbling over with excitement. How do we as apprentices of Jesus stay in that place of excitement and refreshment?

There are spiritual disciplines that bring us to a place of quiet peacefulness and rest. Two important ones are spending time in the Word, seeking out treasures that thrill our souls as well as laying our desires, worries, requests, and praises before our Heavenly Father. Bible reading and prayer are a means of topping up our depleted cup. Yet, the cup may not brim over if we don’t take additional time to restore our souls.

The Psalmist David tells us that God is our Shepherd, and we shall not be in want. He makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside quiet waters. He restores our soul … our cups are filled to overflowing!

We need to discover what fills our cup to the brim, to the point where it overflows because it’s the overflow that will spill out and touch others. It’s the overflow that is bubbling with joy! It is the overflow that is the abundance that we can offer others because it doesn’t drain us. It’s a gift and gifts are for giving!

God made each of us so unique. What fills my cup is not necessarily what will energize you. Spending time with girlfriends and laughing until you can’t even remember what you were laughing about is delightfully refreshing. On a deeper level, sharing vulnerable and authentic dreams, pain, and joy with others in conversation over Scripture and prayer is deeply satisfying.

Nature is so refreshing to my soul; it fills me with tender thoughts toward my Maker and lifts my heart in praise.

I have an example that took place one Sunday afternoon.

I was meeting a dear friend at a local park armed with my camera. While waiting for my friend to arrive, I walked along the trail loop. I came upon a little California Wren sitting on a stump, basking in the sunshine, singing for all he was worth. He sang and bebopped for a good while as I captured some shots before going to the parking lot to meet my friend. As we hiked, I told her about this experience and when we rounded the boardwalk this little fellow and his mate were still sitting there. The entertainer seemed to have worn himself out because he was no longer singing. My friend started singing to the wren and he tilted his head from side to side, seemingly quite delighted. We then sat on a park bench in the warm sunshine and shared our thoughts, feeling united in spirit as we unveiled some concerns that were on our hearts. To top off the day, I rushed back home to help facilitate a Life Group meeting which was a wonderful time of fellowship. It had been a busy day of activity, but my cup was full.

How does your cup get filled when you are feeling drained? God wants us to give, but not from a place of emptiness or stagnant waters. So, come to the well, draw deeply, take time to do the things in life that refill and refresh your soul and “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.