The Cup in the Hand's of the Lord

There is a song, "The More I Seek You" which I have fallen in love with, but there is a line in the song about the cup in the hand of the Lord. The song states "I want to drink from the cup in Your hand." I wonder how many of us really want to drink of this cup, though. Below are my reflections on this one line. A line that has torn at my heart and made me recognize my doubts and fear.

The cup in the hand of the Lord – we do not know its contents, but He asks us to drink. To drink deep with Him no matter. The contents of the cup are intense, overwhelming – beautiful and heart breaking. Each cup is filled to overflowing with:

Sacrifice AND blessing

Loneliness AND love

Pain AND Obedience (peace)

Sorrow AND trust

Passion AND Patience

Each cup is mixed with great hardship and rich blessings. Can we have one without the other? I do not think so. But, on our own, we cannot bear the intensity of any cup. That is why He ask us to drink with Him, not alone. He is strong enough.

I tremble at His feet and stare at the cup.

“What is in it?” I ask.

“Drink with Me.”

“Will it hurt?”

“Drink with Me.”

“I’m frightened. The cup will change me, won’t it?”

He nods.

“It will be too much, more than I can handle.”

He nods.

“I cannot. It will kill me.”

“You can,” He says. “And as you drink, I will hold you closer. Your heart will beat against Mine. Your tears will mix with Mine. Your pain will be Mine. Your death, also My death. Your blessings, My glory. Your trust, My peace. Your patience, My joy. Drink with Me.”

Tears slide down my face. “I am so afraid.”

“Then let me be your courage.”

I turn my eyes from the cup and seek His gaze. Tears shimmer within them. He reaches to me and pulls me to His chest. He kisses my forehead and I feel a tear follow the tender touch of His lips. “Drink with Me.”

The cup is raised.

Still I shake, but I nod my head.

He places the cup to His lips first.

Sorrow tears at my heart as He shudders, His face drawn in pain.

Then the cup is before me. I place my weak, trembling hands over His and close my eyes. Cold metal touches my lips and I drink.