I have had a picture in my mind for several weeks. The picture is of clear glasses stacked up on one another in pyramid formation. Above the glasses is positioned a clear pitcher filled with clear refreshing water. The pitcher is positioned just right above the pyramid providing a steady flow of water into the glasses. And as each glass fills, the water overflows around the glass into the next glass and the next and the next. The picture in my mind is never-ending. The water flow is never-ending.
While a snapshot on paper or even in our minds can only give a glimpse of what this would look like, our God shows us everyday.
It begins before we are born, David shares it like this “You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” When we are born, God places people in our lives who love us, nurture us, teach us. As we grow, we catch glimpses of His Love in nature, in the stories we are told and even in moments of mercy, in which He chooses to bless us.
Then there is a day, a beautiful day, when His Spirit surrounds us, blessing us with a great understanding of an Amazing God who loves us unconditionally. One who sent His Son to die for us so that we could have everlasting life. On this day, we realize that no longer do we have to be defined by the world’s definition of who we should be; but instead we are defined by God’s definition of who He created us to be. We turn toward our Loving Creator.
Our hearts open, His Spirit fills us to overflowing with the power of God’s great Love. And while we may not understand it at once, God is storing up treasures within us, which He reveals to us over time.
Treasures like: “1 John 4:10 – This is Love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” “Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place, You will protect me with songs of deliverance.” “Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” “Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this, Your promise preserves my life.” “Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivers me from all my fears.”
Oh there are so many, I could go on for days. . .
God is a Deliverer, Comforter, Healer, but more than anything, God is LOVE.
1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Love. And not only is He the very definition of Love, but He is the primary giver of Love.
He is the Pitcher and the water. The LIVING WATER.
When our hearts are open to Him, not only do we have the opportunity to know His Love, even to overflowing, but then we too become a vessel of Love. As in the picture, the water overflowing is poured into us and overflows into those around us. In 1 John 4:7 we are told to “Love one another, everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God”. God’s Love is “others focused.” We too learn to be “others focused.” When we experience His Love, we are then blessed to be able to share it.
So, I challenge you: Open your heart, seek His Heart. Learn to serve others, sharing His Love with others. Serving as the Hands and Feet of Jesus is unlike anything you will ever experience. Never a responsibility; but a gift, a gift from the Creator of Love Himself.
And feel the refreshing cascade of The Father’s Love fill you to overflowing.
Father, we are in awe of Your Omnipresent Spirit. We are so very thankful that in our lives, in every day, every moment You are with us. You choose to pour Your Unconditional, Never-ending Love into us to overflowing. We pray Father that Your Love will continue to flow in us, through us so that others will also know the joy and peace which comes from the Love of a Heavenly Father. Thank You for this gift.
AMEN
