p. 7 | My Cup Runneth Over by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 25, 1907

“My Cup Runneth Over”

By L. A. Hansen

THESE words of the psalmist express the measure of God's dealing with his people, if indeed we can say that he deals by measure. Paul says that “unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Eph. 4:7. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32.

This is the Scripture tone always when speaking of the way God gives to us,—only expressions of the freest and fullest liberality, no stint, no closeness, no niggardliness, no sparing, but only the most abounding outpouring of his free gifts.

The term “much more abound” is expressed from God's standpoint, and how “much more” he will do for us is beyond our knowledge, for he “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” David expresses the true condition of God's own when he says, in the first verse of the twenty-third psalm, “I shall not want.” Paul said also, “I have all, and abound,” and assures us, “My God shall supply all your need.” Again we are told in emphatic language, “All things are yours.”

Jesus gives us many lessons on the solicitous care of God for his children, leaving no room for us to doubt but that every need will be provided for most fully. In connection with the statement that he is the good shepherd, he tells us that the object of his coming is that we might have life, and that we “might have it more abundantly.” The final entrance into the kingdom of God will be ministered “abundantly.” 2 Peter 1:11.

God, who is “abundant in goodness,” has given us spiritual blessings “according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” Eph. 1:8. “Of his fulness have all we received.” He “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

Then why is it that some do not enjoy richness of experience? Why so burdened with cares of this world, trying to make a living and having the same sort of a struggle for spiritual existence? It is not that the promises of God have failed, or that there has been the least lack on his part to supply. The failing is on man's part somewhere.

Two texts from Proverbs may give some suggestions. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Prov. 28:20. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Prov. 11:24.

The giving of God is “in all wisdom and prudence;” and although he bestows most abundantly, he does not give for wasting. But the psalmist says, “My cup runneth over.” Does this mean a waste of the overflow? Is it a far-fetched conclusion to say that the overflow of our blessings is to help supply the need of others, and, too, that in proportion as we share our gifts, so will be our own store?

There is much very plain teaching to show that we are blessed that we may be a blessing. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” L. A. HANSEN. Graysville, Tenn.