‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

A key takeaway from our week on Martha and Mary is that we can’t pour from an empty cup. 

We must be intentional in scheduling time to sit with Jesus. Do you schedule time to sit with Jesus? Do you sit with Jesus daily? I intentionally schedule my time to sit with Jesus in the morning before starting my day. We should also learn to set boundaries, meaning, know when to say “yes” and when to say “no” or “not now.” I have personally found that if I wait till the end of my day to have my quiet time, it is harder for me to set and keep boundaries. Once boundaries are set, allow some flexibility so when things don’t go as planned, we don’t start serving with a bitter heart. 

In Psalm 23, we know that Jesus is with us in our green pastures, quiet waters, darkest valleys, and in the presence of our enemies. For most, it is easier to sit with Jesus in the dark valleys, rather than in our quiet waters. If we are faithful in sitting with Jesus during the good times and the bad, walk with Jesus daily, intentionally remaining in Jesus and keeping our cups full, we will serve where God wants us and we will serve with a grateful heart. 

I pray this week leaves your cups running over in love and gratitude. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for always being there to fill my cup. Help me to be intentional in both sitting and serving. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.