Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar and frequently memorized passages in the Christian world. Almost every regular churchgoer knows it by heart. Yet, we often take its simplicity for granted. When we pause to truly meditate on it, we find that it is one of the most profound and challenging psalms in the Bible—calling for total dedication and commitment to God.
I remember, back in 1989, while I was in Madhya Pradesh, a friend once asked me, “Why do you insult your God by calling Him a shepherd?” I then had the opportunity to explain the beauty of this verse, how I am like a helpless sheep, and God is my Shepherd who owns me, leads me, and nurtures me for His purpose. It didn’t make much sense to my friend then, just as it often doesn’t make sense to many even today.
I want to reflect on just the last part of the fifth verse in this short sermon titled “My Cup Overflows.” There are three key words I’d like us to think about. A simple way to understand this verse is: “God has given me more than I need in my life.”
God pours into my cup. God is my provider.
He is the One who meets all our needs. My cup is not a fountain; it is simply an empty vessel—representing my life, which in itself has nothing to offer or satisfy. There are many things in life that try to act as substitutes for God, the true Provider. The devil often offers functional replacements to divert our dependence from Him.
We all have genuine physical needs such as food, and sexual needs that are meant to be fulfilled within the sacred bond of marriage. We have material needs like household essentials, clothing, and mobile phones. We also need a place to live—and the list goes on. I’m not refer ring to wants, but needs, those which God has promised to provide. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:32, “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
We are also reminded in James 1:17 that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” Truly, God is our provider. Do we really recognize that?
My Cup
The life of every person can be compared to a cup that one holds. As individuals, our needs are poured into that cup—our cup represents our life. Each of us is unique, and so are our cups.
When I look at my cup, I realize that it overflows, meaning that God has given me more than I truly need. But when I begin to look at others’ cups, jealousy creeps in. I start to feel angry with God and wonder if He really loves me.
Many of our problems and frustrations in life arise because we constantly compare our cups—our lives—with those of others. It becomes even more disheartening when we see people leading immoral, greedy, or dishonest lives, yet claiming to be spiritual.
Overflowing Life
An overflowing life does not mean a problem-free life, as some may think. God never promised us a life without challenges. Rather, His chastening shapes us into His likeness. Suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey—it is God’s way of calling us to follow Him by taking up our cross.
Paul, even while imprisoned, could write, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). What a powerful testimony of contentment and faith!
I remember once preaching to a group of mission workers. I said, “By the grace of God, I have more than I need.” Immediately, one of them asked, “Then please tell me what is overflowing to me?” I replied, “No one can be full and over flowing unless God fills their cup. And to experience that, you must hold on to your own cup—not envy another’s.”
Those who do not live in this overflowing experience often lead sad and bitter lives, seeking satisfaction through wrong and ungodly ways.
To summarize this short reflection:
Remember, God is the Provider. Hold your own cup. And then, you will see your cup overflowing.
Dear friend, do you have the confidence to say, “By the grace of God, I have more than I need—my cup overflows”?