Do you ever feel that if you hear the words COVID or global pandemic one more time you would scream?  My question today is this, how do we cope?  How do we fill our cup when we are running on empty?  There is an old chorus that speaks into 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 a feeling of emptiness.  We must constantly go back to the well, the source of living water, our place of refreshment.

Maybe 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.”  Doesn’t the well seem so deep when we feel unable to answer another request?  Yet, our tender Shepherd Jesus, our only true 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 who Jesus might be and what He had done for 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 or get back to the place of our first love?

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 cups.  Yet, the cup may not brim over if we don’t take additional time to restore our souls.

The Psalmist David, in his best known and loved Psalm of all time, 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 can be full and running over!

The thing I have discovered and am trying to put into practice is to first figure out what fills my cup to the brim, to the point where it overflows.  An important reason for us to reflect on this thought is that 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 you can offer others because it doesn’t drain you.  It’s a gift and gifts are for giving away!

As we know, God made us each so individually 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 in 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 a fresh example that took place on a recent Sunday afternoon.  I was meeting a dear friend at an area park and of course, I had my camera with me.  While waiting I walked 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 as I watched him for a good while before going to the parking lot to meet my friend.  As we hiked, I told her of this amazing 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, who has a beautiful voice, started singing to the wren who tilted his head from side to side, seemingly quite delighted.  All this to say, we were thrilled, perhaps me more than my friend because I have an over-enthusiastic response when it comes to moments like these.  We then sat on a park bench in the warm sunshine and communed together, feeling united in spirit as we shared some concerns on our hearts.  To top off the day, I rushed back home to help facilitate a small group Zoom meeting which was a time of deep sharing in community.  Our prayer time moved me to tears, … such love, such openness, such a place for healing.  This was a busy day of activity, but my cup was full.

How does your cup get filled when you are feeling drained?  God calls us to give, but not from a place of emptiness and not from a place of 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).

About the Author

Susan is a simple gal who enjoys simple pleasures.  Her hobbies include biking, hiking, writing, reading and photography. She loves to encourage others.  Her passion is to be used by God as He directs.

She joined the staff of the Associated Gospel Churches in March 2004 in the role of Church Relations Coordinator. Susan has two delightful daughters, one wonderful son-in-law and a handful of soul sisters. 

She considers herself blessed!  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 

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