The Lord is My Portion
In the world, there will be loss. The Christian says, “The Lord is my portion (Ps 119:57).” We must remember the two dimensions: the city of God and the city of man. Saints live in both dimensions. It behooves us to seek the kingdom of God, first (Mt 6:33). We do this with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mt 22:37; Mk 12:30; Lk 10:27).
If the Lord Jesus is one’s delight, then the believer will occupy herself with Him. Circumstances in the world will often aid the child of God to draw near to God. Frightened sheep are comforted by the presence of their Good Shepherd (Ps 23; Jn 10).
Thoughts of God’s love and goodness to His beloved will be captive to Christ. Setting one’s mind on His Spirit keeps one’s mind in heaven (Col 3:2). Thoughts of a crown help one to endure his own cross. The fulfillment of glory simply cannot compare to our darkest hours (Rom 8:18). This is the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), that we press on in hope, with our high calling, and suffer for the sake of the elect (2 Tim 2:10).
The Christian, growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus (2 Pet 3:18), is increasingly cognizant of her need for grace. She has no life from God without it. Her prayer is often, “Be gracious to me, O God.”
There is a marvelous economy with God. He is our supplier, and we are ever beggars in need. We approach God to make our requests known to God. Apparently, He already knows, for His sufficient supply is a ready help in our time of need (Heb 4:16).
God is Spirit (Jn 4:24), so He meets our physical needs in His providential care, but our spiritual needs are met by grace (2 Cor 12:9). He credits our accounts with righteousness. Then, He labors to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). All His spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph 1:3), and He brings us into vital union with our King. From Him do our blessings flow.
Here is the travesty of Israel. It is expected that the nations despise the Holy One of Israel. They bring no sacrifices and no praise. Israel is known for zeal, however. To withhold thanksgiving is antithetical; therefore, to not be constant in prayer is arrogant. Seek Him in all humility. Where will you find Him?
Christians need to be together. We have companions who comfort and inspire us. We must not forsake the assembling of ourselves together because those who keep God’s commandments inspire us, as iron sharpens iron. Seeing our brethren fear God is good for one’s soul.
The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Ps 24:1). In heaven there is His storehouse and down from the Father of lights comes every good and every perfect gift (Jas 1:17). He gives gifts to men (Eph 4:8), according to His all-wise counsel. In this, the child of God can rest, for He cares for you (1 Pet 5:7).
God has made His counsel known to us, in His Law. He has also graciously sent His Counselor, the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26). The Spirit working grace is sufficient for us. Grace abounds with faith, and the faith given to us apprehends all that God has for us, who are called by His name.
Faith is active. It does not wait for grace, as one waits on the Lord. When faith is not giving thanks for grace received, it is seeking more grace. Grace happily flows to those who diligently seek God (Heb 11:6). He rewards them with more of Himself. God is infinite, so the supply is far greater than the demand. He is not too busy, child, and in Him there is no lack.
It is wise for Christians to take heaven by storm. One day in the courts of the Lord is better than a thousand elsewhere. Faith meets the grace that gave it, in that place. To whom much is given, there, much is required. Amazingly, grace sought, is grace that meets the requirement. Otherwise, every increase from God would be a daunting addition.
The Lord is gracious to give His servants additions. These grow our dependence on God. In other words, He stretches our capacity for Himself. He does this by filling us and then withdrawing. As emptiness ensues, our demands return, “Fill my cup, Lord…with Thyself!”
Our affections for Him grow, and we want more of Him and less of the world. The world proves itself to be a cheap imitation of the only One who can satisfy the soul.
Each day, Christians must consider their ways. Prudence causes any misalignments with God to be corrected. These corrections are done with haste; for the enemy still prowls, and the snare is ever set against us.
Christian, vanity is the occupation of the world, but as for me and my house, we will serve the living God, the Lord of heaven and earth! He does not disappoint, nor does He fail to reward those who have entrusted themselves to Him. Go to the Lord, today, for it is always the right path, for those who seek Him…Him who makes Himself to be found.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
June 15, 2022
