Overflow

Romans 15:13 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.

We live in a world desperate for hope. Every day, the news bombards us with stories of war, suffering, division, and despair. People search for hope in wealth, relationships, careers, and entertainment—only to find that these things always fail to satisfy. But as redeemed, spirit-filled believers, we are not only meant to possess this precious hope but also to overflow with His hope. Not a vague wish or fleeting optimism, but a certain, confident expectation rooted in God and His unending faithfulness. 

The word overflow (Greek: perisseuō) means to abound, have in abundance, and exceed the expected measure. There is one thing that is consistently true: when something overflows, it creates a mess. When overflow suddenly occurs, there is no controlling where the spillage goes. It has been said, “If you pray for rain, you'd better be prepared to deal with the mud.” We pray for revival and a world to know God, yet we avoid the overflow, often fearful of the consequences. If you pray to overflow with hope and God’s love, then you had better be prepared for the impact. Maybe society’s issues start with our unwillingness to freely “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Our unwillingness to clean up after overflowing leaves us unwilling to speak truth or deal with the results.

“Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38. This river is the continual move of the Holy Spirit in our lives that results in an overflow of God’s presence. An overflow that touches everyone and everything around us. When we are filled and overflow with the Spirit, our lives are marked by a deep, abiding joy that is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. Romans 12:9-13 tells us what an overflowing life looks like: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” A life that overflows with the Holy Spirit stands boldly for God’s truth, even in the face of opposition. 

Acts 6:8 describes Stephen as a man filled to overflowing with God’s grace and truth. Stephen, a man who was selected to serve widows, whose life overflowed with God’s love in signs, wonders, and miracles, received harsh opposition. They lied and accused Stephen of false and blasphemous teachings. When they looked at Stephen, “even while being falsely accused, his face glowed as though he had the face of an angel!” (Acts 6:15). Yet they murdered him for the overflow of the Holy Spirit in his life. (Does any of this sound like recent events?) When you overflow with grace, love, and truth, the results may be in the form of opposition, but the lasting impact will point many to God. Our job is to remain faithful, to be filled to overflowing. God can handle the cleanup duties.

Acts 1:8 promises, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.” When your life overflows, you will always be a witness of God’s redemption, forgiveness, and love.

When we are filled and overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, we experience His presence and purpose in every aspect of our lives. Let’s overflow; the world is looking for hope.

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Psalms 23:5-6 NIV You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Psalms 119:171-172 NIV May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.

Joel 2:23-24 NLT Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil.

2 Corinthians 4:14-15 NIV We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Luke 6:38 NIV Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Romans 14:17 NIV For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 8:8 NIV But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

Romans 8:5-6 NIV Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

John 14:27 NIV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Psalm 16:5 NIV Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.