Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
David praised the Lord for all the blessings He had poured out on David. We know that David had more than he needed because he says his “cup runs over”. When you have more than you need, you are in a position to help others. What about if you don’t have enough?
My Cup is not running over. I am stressed, tired and run down. And now, people are all asking me for help. I feel I have nothing to give. “Put your mask on first.” When you are on an airplane, they tell you to put on your mask first and then help others. Why? Because you cannot help others if you are not taking care of yourself. At the end of the Sabbath, Jewish people celebrate the Havdalah service of separation (from the Sabbath) to prepare for the week ahead. In that service, they have an overflowing cup of wine. Here are the instructions: “Fill a kiddush cup with either wine or grape juice, until the liquid overflows a bit onto the plate below. This is symbolic of our desire for blessings to overflow into the week. http://www.aish.com/sh/ht/as/48970721.html” Those blessings that overflow can also be the source of blessings that you can share with others. It is only out of the overflow that you can bless others. With that in mind, you need to take time to take care of yourself so you have the mental, physical and spiritual resources you need to take care of others. That is why God gave you the Sabbath! It is a time to rest, recharge and draw closer to Him. He will bless you through this time. Are you using it in that way?
Are you overwhelmed? Are you tired? Have you ever noticed when you are doing something for which you have passion, your strength is renewed? God is the source of that strength and passion. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) says “31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Do you trust in the Lord? Do you wait on Him? Are you honoring the Sabbath rest? The Sabbath is God’s gift to you. Will you accept it and be blessed by it? You decide!
Lord, thank You for the gift of the Sabbath rest. Help us to enjoy that time to be spent with You. Renew us by Your presence in our lives. Teach us to take time to be quiet and hear Your call. Give us our Sabbath rest and help us to accept it! In Your name we pray. Amen!