Each year it come up with a new simple wish to share with friends and family on their birthday. They often include the word joy as I want all people to experience deep abiding joy.
This year I was struggling to come up with something new. I was praying, listening and searching for just the right phrase when I heard, “more than you can hold.” That was it. I loved the image of my arms so full they can’t hold all that is from God. I want all of us to experience more goodness than we can hold. I want our cups to overflow.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 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. (Psalm 23 NIV).
I know many think of funerals when they read this scripture, however I think of the goodness of God. I lack nothing. I am comforted. I have no fear. God is always with me.
Whenever I have experienced this goodness of God, it has always felt like more than I could hold. Healing deep emotional wounds leaves me filled with more gratitude than I can hold. Thinking of my husband and children fills me with more love than I can hold. Seeing young children laughing and playing fills me with more hope than I can hold. Opportunities to serve others brings compassion and grace that is more than I can hold.
If I am willing to look for it even when I don’t deserve it, and willing to participate in it, God’s overflowing goodness is there for me.
Have you experienced the goodness of God in a way that is more than you can hold? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.