How Big Is Your Bowl?

I had taken my plastic bowl to the backyard to pick whatever I could find growing from the garden.  I was sure to find some blackberries and tomatoes at least.  They have been coming in for a while now.  But as I picked and picked the fresh produce, I realized I should have brought out a bigger bowl.  Was my faith too small?

And so it is with us at times when we come before the Lord.  God wants to fill us and overflow us, but we come with a small cup or with our hearts already full from other things.  Doesn’t the Word say “Open wide your mouth and I will fill it”? (Psalm 81:10b)  God is not stingy.  He’s an abundant giver.  Jesus promises us that he came “that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  Prayerfully consider these Scriptures:

Psalm 23:5 says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Psalm 16:11 says, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 18:19 says, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”

Psalm 91:16 says, “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

And what is our response to the God of the overflow?  Psalm 116:13 says, “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.”  Let’s overflow the Lord with our praise!

I believe God wants us to expect more.  Pray big and expect impossible answers and miracles to take place.  God wants to bless us and we’re walking around with small bowls.  Let’s increase our faith and next time I’ll come to the garden with a bigger bowl.