Pouring Out

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Earlier this week, we talked about the importance of having a quiet time each day in order to find peace in the midst of stress. Another reason that spending time daily with the Lord is so vital to us is so that we can be prepared to give to other people. 

Think about it this way. Imagine you are a waiter at a restaurant, and part of your job is to go around and fill up the water glasses for the people sitting at your tables. You go to one table after another with a full pitcher of water and begin topping off the water glasses. Eventually, the pitcher is empty, so you must go back to the kitchen to refill it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to continue to provide water to the thirsty customers. It’s impossible to fill their cups with an empty water pitcher.

This principle applies just the same in our lives. Our purpose on this earth as followers of Jesus is to pour out love to the people around us. But if we do not take the time to fill up our own tanks, it won’t be long before we are no longer able to pour into others. The only way for us to fill up is to spend time each day with Jesus. And He promises to fill us up and give us rest if we will just come to Him.

Are you trying to pour into others, when in actuality you’re spiritually empty? If so, be intentional today about spending quality, quiet time with the Lord. He will restore you, give you rest, and fill you up so that you can continue to show His goodness and love to those around you.