Over the past few years, instead of making a New Year’s resolution, I choose a word for the year. This year, God gave me the word overflow. My favorite Psalm praises God, “My cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5). I thought I had it all figured out. If I am a good person this year, I will receive an overflow of blessings from God.
Of course, I was wrong. However, God revealed a fresh idea about the word overflow from the story of Abraham.
Even though I thank Him for a comfortable home, food to eat, wonderful friends and family, and adequate income, God reminded me these blessings can disappear in an instant.
What is the meaning of an overflow of blessings from God?
God tests Abraham
God instructed Abraham, the first of the Old Testament patriarchs, to leave his home and travel to a far-off land to become the father of a great nation. God promised Abraham an overflow of blessings—innumerable descendants, the land of Canaan, and blessings for all peoples of the world through him (Genesis 12:1-3).
Abraham and his wife Sarah remained hopeful for twenty-five years until the birth of their son Isaac.
Just imagine, after waiting twenty-five years for a son, God asks Abraham to give Isaac back to Him.
God said, “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you” (Genesis 22:2 NLT).
What? Yes, God said to Abraham, give me back the blessing I gave you, the thing you love the most and waited longest for.
Abraham responded in full obedience. Early the next morning, Abraham journeyed to Mount Moriah to offer in worship the most valuable blessing in his life. Abraham trusted God Almighty to keep His promises, even though it made little sense to kill Isaac.
Abraham passes the test
As Abraham and Isaac trudged up the mountain, Isaac asked about the lamb for the sacrifice. And Abraham replied, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8 NLT).
When Abraham raised the knife to kill Isaac, the Lord said “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me” (Genesis 22:12 ESV).
Suddenly, a ram for the sacrifice appeared in the thicket. So, Abraham named the place Yahweh Yir’eh, The Lord will provide. God provided the lamb for sacrifice in the place of Isaac.
Abraham passed the test. He was prepared to sacrifice Isaac in worship. God mattered more to Abraham than the life of his treasured son.
Seek the Blesser, instead of the blessings
We must be willing to sacrifice what we value most in worship to God, like Abraham. What is God asking you to sacrifice in worship to Him?
Friend, I don’t know what it is for you. Ask yourself, what do I value more than my relationship with God? Maybe it’s money, time, your comfort zone, family, or like me, my search for a mate. Maybe God wants you to sacrifice an unhealthy habit or addiction. Be willing to give it to Him in worship. Even if it makes little sense or feels impossible.
One of the most famous verses in the Bible reads, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).
Let’s sit here for a minute. We read this verse often, but don’t miss the meaning. This is the ultimate blessing. The overflow. The blessing we cannot earn by anything we do and will never disappear.
Seek the Blesser, instead of the blessings. God loved us so much He sacrificed the priceless gift of His Son to die in our place. All we have to do is believe and receive the overflow of blessings from God—His love, mercy, and grace. He is more than enough.
Listen to a song we sang in choir that inspired my word for the year, Overflow by Israel & New Breed.
Hi Susan! I also do not make resolutions. I pick a focus word for the year. Last year, it was “relationships”…ha! Just in time for Covid and social distancing. However, God knew I’d make new friendships in Zoom meetings, on FB live, and listening to podcasts. This year, my focus word is “learn”. God has already given me several opportunities to learn from mentors about the business of writing. And I continue to take advantage of excellent craft teachers out there.
Hi Deb, thanks for your comment. Learn is a great word. I strive to learn all I can about writing, health, and wellness.
I like the concept of waiting for Gods blessings. For the obedience of waiting is in itself a blessing. Sometimes the blessings we seek are supplied to us in unknown forms. After all it is God whom is in control. He chooses on what forms he manifest himself in our lives. Trusting God implicitly on ever area of out lives is what faith is all about. After all we are on earth for a relatively short time compared to eternity.
Wise words, Tom. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for posting about blessings. I am thankful for all my blessings but I don’t thank God enough. He has turned my life around so many times and it would take an eternity to thank Him enough!
So true, Jeanette! I am also very thankful for all my blessings. Thank you for commenting.
My word for this year is “intentional.” I want to be intentional about the way I live, in all areas of life.
Such a great word, Carly. I love it. Thank you so much for your support of my blog.