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You have heard the question, “Do you see the
glass half empty, or half full?” Answer carefully. For your answer is supposed to
determine if you are optimistic or pessimistic. For you know that if you see the glass
half empty, then you are thought to be focused on the negative aspects of what you are
looking at. And if you see the glass half full, then you are said to be looking at the
positive in what you see--the potential, as it were, of what could be. Perhaps we as
Christians should have the best outlook of all, so that if we are asked how we see the
glass, our answer is, “Overflowing”.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head
with oil; my cup Runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23).
It is a greater than optimistic attitude that can be owned by every believer that
trusts in the Lord. Our hearts do not have to be cast down, our spirits do not have to
sink into despair. We have a Good Shepherd who knows our every need and wants to help meet
them. He brings us peace and rest as we walk with Him in our daily lives. He protects us
and guides us and keeps us from evil intent--we do not have to be afraid. His protection
is a comfort and He is faithful to meet our need even in the most adverse times. His love
for us endures forever.
Unrealistic? Or is it the reality of God expressed in scriptures? How do we perceive
God’s word when we read it? Is it, to us, half empty, half full, or overflowing? Rest
assured that His word is overflowing regardless of our perception. It is not that God
cannot fill us to overflowing that hinders us, because He can and will overflow us. But,
it is our attitude that makes the difference, and how much we believe. Even if we
acknowledge in our minds that our God is the giver unto overflowing, we must believe it in
our hearts for it to change our attitudes. It is one thing to know that God created the
Heavens and the earth, it is another thing entirely to look at the earth and look up into
the heavens and feel a sense of awe, or connection with God, and be affected by what we
are experiencing within the knowledge.
The world around us will consider us fanatics or unrealistic to hold such views about
our Lord. However, Jesus tells us, “"I tell you the truth, unless you change and
become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt.18:3).
It is not unrealistic to hold such a great and childlike faith in our Lord--it is
essential for life--and for that life to be one that keeps the glass overflowing.
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