“The Lord is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul;
“Therefore, I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.
The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him,
To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word].”
Lamentations 3:24-25 AMP
Perspective:
A portion is a part of a share. Jeremiah, the author of this passage, learned what is truly valuable through significant loss. Jeremiah laments his losses as his heart is broken after watching the city of Jerusalem being overrun by soldiers from Babylon, the temple plundered, and people slaughtered. It’s almost too much for this faithful prophet to endure, but God.
Jeremiah turns his thoughts towards the Lord, Yahweh, the One who was, who is, and who always will be. He remembers the Lord, Who is good, even in the darkest hours. In his great distress, Jeremiah reminds himself that his portion contains his hope in God, not his circumstances, that God is good to those who seek Him and wait for Him. Therefore, even as he grieves great losses, Jeremiah sets his heart to seek God, His gracious portion.
A Touch of Grace:
What does it mean that the Lord is your portion?
What portion of hope do you find in God?
Grace Application:
Jeremiah was a prophet to the kingdom of Judah who spoke boldly to those living in Jerusalem to turn back to God, to forsake the idols that caused their hearts to be hardened, and abandon the true worship of God. Unfortunately, he was ignored, mocked, imprisoned, and almost killed because he faithfully continued to speak the truth. Jeremiah suffered enormous losses as his reputation was shredded. He watched those he loved carried off into exile to Babylon and others as they perished from hunger and sickness.
Jeremiah “reset” his mind as he mourned. He turned from the reality of the pain that threatened to overwhelm him to the truth of who God is. Jeremiah remembered that the Lord is his portion. This portion means he will never be forsaken, that though God’s plans involved pain, it was not without purpose. The weary prophet remembered that his hope is found in the Lord – his rock, refuge, help, and Redeemer. He recalled that God’s mercies are new every morning and that His steadfast love never fails. He remembered God is faithful and has compassion for those who seek Him. And he remembers that God is always found when we seek Him. (Jeremiah 29:13)
Life is hard. I often lament the portion I have been given. Anyone else? I become dissatisfied with where I am and feel like it will always be this way. There have been many times, even recently, when despair threatened to overwhelm my thoughts and drag me back into a dark pit. I run to the Bible at these times, reminding myself who God is. Like Jeremiah, I seek to shift my perspective. Instead of only seeing what I’ve lost, I remind myself of who God is and what I have in Him. I have forgiveness for all my sins. I am redeemed by the blood of Christ. He promises to never leave me or reject me. He is a shelter from the storms, a refuge when the noise of life overwhelms me. His love is steadfast, His mercies abundant, and His compassion for me never fails.
Wherever we are, whatever our circumstances, we can turn our hearts towards the One who is our gracious portion and wait in hope for Him, knowing He is good to those who seek Him.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful that You are my portion and inheritance. Lord, You are good, and give me hope as I wait for You. Forgive me for the times I am impatient and forget that You are my inheritance. Jesus, You are my portion, my Redeemer. Help me continue to wait with hope as I seek You, my gracious portion. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**