My Cup Overflows

I love a good massage! Stretched out on the table, lights dimmed, candles flickering, while the hands of a skilled masseuse work scented oil into my tight muscles. What bliss!

​Add a facial/scalp massage and I am so relaxed, I am liable to fall asleep! I leave the salon physically refreshed and renewed. However, as much as I love the benefits of massages, I must admit I do not get them very often as I am usually too busy or forgetful to schedule one.
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In Psalm 23, the Psalmist David tells of his dependence on the Lord, his Shepherd. As a young boy, David had been a shepherd so he fully understood the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. Without the shepherd, the sheep is in physical danger from prey and from possibly wandering off a cliff to its death. The sheep does not suffer because the shepherd takes care of all his needs.

In addressing the Lord as “my Shepherd,” David was admitting that he was like a sheep, and was in need of a caretaker. His Shepherd knew that he needed physical rest, healing, relaxation and rejuvenation. He was confident that he would never want for anything. Psalm 23:5b says, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

These words tell of one whose every physical need had been satisfied and the abundant blessings he had experienced. The Shepherd is not stingy with His provisions, but lavishes His sheep with His love, grace, and mercy.

Philippians 4:6 reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but to present all our prayers and petitions to God. The Lord takes care of His children, protecting them and fulfilling their physical needs. He provides healing, rest, food, and shelter; His sheep feel physically refreshed, renewed and secure.

Sadly, even though I have experienced His blessings, I am sometimes too busy or forgetful to call upon the Lord my Shepherd, or I only turn to Him in times of intense sorrow or pain. I forget that when He hung on the cross of Calvary, Jesus paid the price for all my sin, sicknesses and diseases. His sacrifice covered it all. His love, grace and mercy never runs dry, and therefore, my cup overflows.

​From the simple to the extravagant, the Lord provides for His children. Aren’t you so thankful that the Lord is our Shepherd?

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5b

About the Author

Hi, I am Joan Lavori.  I have been married to my husband Joe for 33 years.  We have two young adult children and we live in NW Atlanta. I homeschooled my children through high school and currently teach in a hybrid homeschool program.  I love to write, read, sing and take long walks on the beach, listening to God's Word and soaking up His marvelous creation.  ​​​​