In 2012, I went into renal failure after having my gall bladder removed. I ended up spending quality time with a nephrologist who kindly advised me that I needed to be more proactive about staying hydrated. Water is life to the body. Without it, the organs begin to shut down. You can’t run on empty for long.

I was dehydrated in many more ways. I’d run ragged until my body decided to rebel to get my attention.

I thought I was running hard for Jesus, but I realized I was never going to make it to the finish line. I was fizzling out and failing fast.

Here’s the thing: When I read the gospels, I see how Jesus faced even the toughest ministry day without getting frazzled. Even when the world around Him was a barren wilderness, He drank in the living water and continued to press forward with purpose.

God wants me to start living out of the overflow instead of drowning in the dregs.

We are drowning in the dregs when

• We struggle to tune in and hear God’s voice because our lives are too noisy.
• Our minds are so cluttered with worries we miss out on seeing the sweet evidences of God’s wonder at work.
• We are inwardly grumbling instead of reaching out to extend grace.

Do you want to stop drowning in the dregs of self-sufficiency? Me, too! Let’s slow down together and sit at the feet of Jesus to learn from His example.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)

3 Steps to Start Living Out of the Overflow

Let’s linger in His Presence.

Jesus started His day by spending intimate time tuning in to the Father’s voice. We must sit with Jesus in the quiet and invite Him to speak into our day.  

“The next morning Jesus got up long before daylight. He went out to a place by himself. There he talked with God.” (Mark 1:35, WET)

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18-19, NIV)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)

Let’s look for signs of beauty.

Jesus never lost sight of the joy that was to come, and this propelled Him forward. We need to shift our focus off our problems and on to His provision.  

“And He took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19, ESV).

“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20, NIV)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, NIV)

Let’s latch on to God’s love.

God’s love empowered Jesus to lay down His life for lost sinners like you and me. We can’t love each other unless we apply His love to our own brokenness first.

“I have loved you just as My Father has loved Me. Stay in My love.” (John 15:9, NLV)

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:1-2, & 21, NIV)

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1: 9-11, NIV)

It’s important to fill up spiritually with the living water of the Holy Spirit. If I am not mindful of this truth, I forget to drink up, and I start to grow unhealthy in my walk as a disciple. A pastor once told me that sharing our faith with others should come naturally out of “the overflow.” As we allow God to pour into our lives, His goodness splashes out to those in our circle of influence who are seeking to find a well for their parched souls.

We will stop drowning in the dregs when we purpose to 

• Overflow in worship, rather than give way to worry. This week, let’s set aside one hour for a date night with Jesus. Spend some time lingering at his feet listening for the leading of the Spirit in his noisy world.
• Stop living grumpy and overflow in gratitude. As we look for signs of beauty, we will slowly set aside lament even in the middle of a dry, barren season. To help you get started, I’ve created a one-page printable for you to count your blessings from A to Z this month. Subscribe to the blog and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. 
• Overflow in love and forgiveness and set aside selfishness. Prayer helps us tap into God’s love for difficult people. Pick one pesky person you will pray for every day this month. Ask God to help you be a grace-giver instead of a fault finder.

This world is full of people who are craving for more. We have the water that will help them to quench their thirst. As we love others and make melody in our hearts, our “overflow” will create an appetite in others for what truly satisfies.

Don’t drown in the dregs of self sufficiency. Linger at His feet and start living out of the overflow.  

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