I took these spider web pictures last October, the week before Halloween.  How would you describe them?  Creepy, dew-covered spider webs?  Or nature’s delicate lace?  I think some of them look like diamond necklaces. 

Life is all about PERSPECTIVE.  We can view things positively or negatively, hopefully or hopelessly. Are you a “glass half empty” person?  Or a “glass half full” person? What if I could tell you, that you could be a person whose “glass overflows?”

Psalm 23:5 says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”  My interpretation: God blesses us (anoints our heads) and abundantly provides for us (our cup overflows), even amidst trials (in the presence of our enemies).

Sometimes it’s hard to see those blessings and provisions.  Sometimes we can only see the icky spider webs instead of nature’s wonders.  A lot of distractions may keep us from seeing God’s blessings:  Stress.  Pride.  Misplaced priorities.  The comparison trap.  Hardships and tragedy. The list goes on…

One way to start seeing our overflowing cup (vs. seeing it empty or half empty) is to PRAISE GOD. 

God is not only worthy of our praise, but praise draws us nearer to God and fills us with gratitude, humility, peace, and hope, even during the hard times.  

Praise opens our eyes and hearts to reveal that God is the source of all blessings, big and small.  Praise helps us know that God’s blessings will not let our trials consume us.  

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23

The next time you’re outside, soak in God’s creation with all your senses. Praise Him for His wonders.

The next time you eat a meal, take your time and savor every bite. Thank Him for provision (and taste buds)!

The next time you’re visiting with a friend, use the time for meaningful and uplifting conversation. Thank God for friendship and human connection. 

The next time you’re feeling down or feeling like your cup is empty, make a list of everything (and everyone) you are thankful for, taking time to reflect on each one, thanking and praising God for them.

Let us be PURPOSEFUL with our time and interactions with others.  Being purposeful helps us to be grounded in the present.  It heightens our awareness and opens our eyes to God’s blessings.  

Before you know it, you will see how your half empty cup starts to rise to the brim and spills over.  Because God’s blessings are all around us, and they are new every day. We just need to have an open heart to see them.  We need to remove the blinders and distractions that so often get in the way.

I encourage you— and myself— to continually keep our focus on God, to be more purposeful with our time, activities, and human interactions, and to “lift up our cups” (surrender our lives) in humble and grateful praise to Him.   

And bring a BIG cup.  Because His generous blessings will overflow it.

– Amy

** Here are some songs that encourage praising God when you are faced with trials or when you feel like your cup is empty:

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

Yes, I Will by Vertical Worship

Even If by Mercy Me

Goodness of God by Bethel Music

I Know by Big Daddy Weave

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