In her book Glorious Intruder Joni Eareckson Tada wrote a whole chapter called “Let Your Life Overflow” based on the familiar verse in Psalm 23, “My cup overflows.” She points out that when we think of something overflowing, we usually think of wastefulness.  But when our lives overflow with joy and peace and hope and love, nothing is ever wasted.[1]

The truth of the matter is that when my cup overflows, whether that is a good thing or a bad thing all depends on what is in my cup. If I have had a stressful day, you may not want to be around me because my stress may spill over on you. If you have a friend who suffers from depression, you may find yourself avoiding her because after talking with her, you feel depressed too.

But, as Joni points out, the Bible talks about us overflowing with love, hope, joy and peace—all good things. For instance, I Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV) says, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.” A beautiful picture of our cup being so full of love that it overflows and blesses everyone around us.

How is it possible for us to overflow with these good attributes? Romans 15:13 (NIV) says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” Trusting God fills your cup with hope and peace to overflowing. Your hope overflows on others, encouraging them to trust Him too for their difficult situation.

Let the goodness of God overflow your life today so that others around you are blessed.

[1] Joni Eareckson Tada, Glorious Intruder (Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books, 1989), pp 52-53.