January 26: POURING OUT BLESSINGS

So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD. 2 Samuel 23:16

David had longed for a drink of water from a certain well at Bethlehem at a time when the Philistines had a garrison there. In our day, just as in David’s, there are enemy garrisons between me and certain blessings that I long for. When a blessing does come, my common sense tells me to take it for myself. But in the divine economy that is ordained of God, it is always best to give it back to Him. In teaching us to be generous, He is actually protecting us from unseen corruptive influences.

While there may have been others who saw David’s poured-out water as utter wastefulness, just as those who were indignant among themselves when the woman poured fragrant oil on Jesus’ head (Mark 14:4), the Holy Spirit’s leading is invariably in keeping with the kingdom agenda: sanctification of the saints of God, not only for their sakes, but that others may see Him at work.  

Oswald Chambers said: “If you have become bitter and sour, it is because when God gave you a blessing you hoarded it. Yet if you had poured it out to Him, you would have been the sweetest person on earth. If you are always keeping blessings to yourself and never learning to pour out anything to the LORD, other people will never have their vision of God expanded through you.”

We are the Lord’s personal invitation to others. Our proper stewardship of the blessings He has given is a shield against negative, selfish character traits that hurt the Lord and lead others away from Him.

“And try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10b

David knew for himself the Source of living water. It is He Who desires to pour refreshment onto the world through His followers!

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38