From the Cup of Suffering to the Cup That Overflows: A Journey to the King’s Table

Previously, we explored the Cup of Salvation—the doorway back to God’s heart and the beginning of our restored relationship with Him.”

Now we enter into the next step of the journey - The Cup that Overflows

We sat with the weight of that moment, recognizing the sacrifice, agony, and obedience that poured out of Jesus’ heart on His way to the cross.That cup was heavy—full of judgment, darkness, and the cost of redemption.

Jesus drank it so we wouldn’t have to.

We embraced the invitation of the cup of salvation and accepted His free atoning gift or redemption and reconciliation.

But Scripture tells of another cup—a cup not filled with sorrow but with our willingness to say Yes to Jesus we are reconciled and now step into the blessing, protection, and overflowing grace of God. It is the cup David speaks of in Psalm 23:5:

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

This cup is dramatically different from the cup Jesus begged to be removed in the garden.

And yet, it is only because He drank that cup that we are able to sit at this table and receive this one.

Let’s step into the scene David describes—because this is not only poetry. It is the spiritual reality of those who belong to the Shepherd-King.

The Table God Prepares for You

David is not the host in this psalm.

God is.

And notice where He sets the table: Right in the presence of your enemies.

He doesn’t wait for the battle to be over.

He doesn’t wait for the circumstances to improve.

He doesn’t wait until the enemy leaves.

He prepares a table in the middle of the struggle—a feast of presence, protection, and peace.

This is not a table of fear but a table of fellowship.

Not a table of hurry but a table of rest.

Not a table of striving but a table of belonging.

The enemy may circle, but they cannot touch what God provides.

Anointed and Attended

“You anoint my head with oil…”

In ancient shepherding, oil was used to soothe wounds, prevent infection, and keep insects from tormenting the sheep.

Spiritually, anointing symbolizes:

• Healing

• Honor

• Being chosen

• Being set apart

• Being covered and empowered by the Holy Spirit

This is God tending to the tender places of your life.The places that ache.The places that need comfort, protection, and restoration.

This is not a distant God.

This is a Shepherd who places His hands gently upon you and says,“You are mine.”

The Cup That Overflows

Because Jesus drank the cup of suffering, you now drink the cup of blessing.

This cup is not half-full.

Not barely enough.

Not measured out in tiny sips.

It is overflowing.

The cup of salvation.

The cup of mercy.

The cup of covenant love.

The cup of more-than-enough grace.

The cup of God’s presence poured into every part of your life.

When David says, “my cup overflows,” he is showing us what life looks like under the care of a faithful God:

• Not striving

• Not scrambling

• Not surviving

• But overflowing

It is the picture of a soul completely tended to, nourished, protected, and filled.

More “Cup Stories” Are Coming

Psalm 23 reveals the cup that runs over—but Scripture speaks of many cups, each telling a different part of God’s heart:

✨ The Cup of Salvation

✨ The Cup of the New Covenant

✨ The Cup of Consolation

✨ The Cup of Blessing

✨ The Cup of God’s Justice

✨ The Cup of Comfort

✨ The Cup of Trembling (which God removes!)

✨ The Golden Cups of Prayer in Heaven

Every cup carries a message.

Every cup invites us closer.

Every cup reveals another expression of divine love.

Over the next few posts, we will explore these cups one by one.

Each one is a glimpse of what it looks like to dine with the King—in every season and circumstance.

This is only the beginning.

Journaling Prompts: Your Cup Overflowing

Use these prompts as you sit with Psalm 23:5 and listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice.

1. What is currently sitting at the “table” of my life—and how is God inviting me to rest in His presence even if enemies are nearby?

2. Where do I sense God anointing me right now?

What part of my heart or story is He healing, honoring, or setting apart?

3. What does an “overflowing cup” look like in this season?

What might God be pouring into me that He wants to spill into others?

4. Jesus drank the cup of suffering so I could drink the cup of blessing.

How does this truth change the way I relate to Him today?

5. In what areas am I living from emptiness—rather than overflow?

What would it look like to receive instead of strive?

6. Write a prayer of gratitude for the ways God has prepared a table for you, even in hard places. Ask Him to help you drink deeply of His goodness.

7. Visualize your overflowing cup.

What colors, images, or words come to mind as the Holy Spirit shows you what He is pouring into your life?

An Invitation to Dine With the King

If something in your heart longs for a deeper connection with God—to rest, to be nourished, to be strengthened, to be seen—this is your invitation.

Come sit at the table He prepared.

Come discover the cup that runs over.

Come learn the rhythm of dining with the King instead of striving for scraps.

Come experience the Shepherd who anoints, restores, protects, and fills.

Your seat is ready.

Your cup is waiting.

And it will not run dry.

Coach Shel

Rooted in Truth - Transformed by Grace