“For I have satiated (filled full) the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” Jeremiah 31:25
Dear Ones:
One of the greatest phrases in the Bible is found in Psalm 23, where David writes: “…My cup runneth over.” Why would He write such a thing, and what does it really mean? First of all, let’s look at what it does not mean. It does not mean that one will be perfectly “happy” all the time. To this thought the Lord reveals to us that there is a difference between His joy, and happiness. Joy is a fruit of His indwelling life, that which will never leave us, as He will never leave us. Happiness, to some extent, may be the experience of that joy, or even its expression. But happiness can also be a fleeting sentiment, a momentary contentment in present day life. This is not the case with the joy of Christ. Secondly, this “cup running over” does not mean that we shall have all that we desire, possessing and experiencing all that this world has to give. This is especially true when opposition to the truth comes to our door. Outwardly, there is opposition, perhaps even persecution, and the loss of much that is enjoyed. But the fullness of which the Psalmist speaks goes beyond sorrow, and loss, to satisfaction. What then does Scripture mean by a “cup running over?”
In the book of Jeremiah, we read a promise concerning God’s dealing with the priests. It must be said that the context is one of blessing, when there is the restoration of Israel, in particular in their relationship with God. It is as they return to the Lord, that His blessing becomes evident. One way that this is seen is by the promise to the priests: “‘And I will satiate (fill full) the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satiated with My goodness,’ says the Lord.” (31:14) What does He mean by this declaration? Note that He addresses the “soul” of the priests. The soul is that real, and eternal person, which God saves and blesses. The soul is characterized by the intellect, emotions, and will. When God blesses the soul, He brings that soul into conformity with Himself. It is there that the fullness of His blessed life by the Spirit ministers to every aspect of the soul, to grant His peace, love, and joy. The expression of this fullness may vary with one’s temperament, but the very essence of it is that the soul is brought into rest, and is satisfied. There is the assurance, and confirmation, that with regard to the soul, everything IS well. The body may know sickness, weakness, and scars, as we live in a fallen world. But the eternal soul of man is laid hold of by God, kept by God, and ministered to, by God the Spirit. Regardless of whether one is a king, prince, shepherd, or servant, God satisfies the soul with the assurance and blessing of His presence, ever strengthening, ever uplifting, ever sustaining.
The question then becomes: “How is one to know this satisfaction of soul, this experience of being “filled full?” The Lord Jesus addressed this matter in the Gospel of Matthew by saying, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (11:28) There is in this phrase the declaration and assurance of God’s intervention in the individual life, to KNOW what it means to find His rest, peace, and fullness. It begins, as all in the Christian life does, by coming uniquely, and wholly, unto the Lord Jesus. It means also coming AS WE ARE, conscious of need in our fatigue, and being weighed down with care. The Lord then instructs us HOW to know His rest. He says: “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me.” This yoke speaks of His authority, His reign, and submission to Him…the evidence of trusting Him. We are then called upon to “learn of Christ,” His truth, which sets our hearts free to love Him.
Dear Lord, Be our Shepherd this day, also our King. Take all of our burdens away, and teach us of Thee. Satisfy us early with Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad