Psalm 16
Scripture Psalm 16:5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
Observation-What does it say? This psalmist continues praising God through worship, a music most pleasing to our Heavenly Father’s ears. They begin by asking God for safety and then they proceed to glorify Him, by showering Him with compliments.
Understanding-What does it mean? First of all, I love how simple their praise to God was. They simply showered Him with compliments and spoke to His nature, which I think often times we put all this built up pressure around. Worship is simply speaking to God and letting Him know how great and wonderful we think He is. Anyway, that was more of a side note. “You alone are my portion and my cup…” I hung on those words for a bit. Lately, I’ve been into having an extended pity party. So much so that I would say it has affected my worship. I even found myself saying this a little bit ago “How can I sing these songs of praise when there are some thing in my life that have yet to be fulfilled or resolved?” I found myself getting angry at the fact that I had gotten in three car accidents this past year (no injuries in any) despite praying every time I get behind the wheel. I began blaming my shortcomings on God, rather than praising the fact that HE IS FAITHFUL. Yeah, I got in three car accidents but I’ve gotten out of every one of them unscathed.
There is only one thing in this world that can satisfy. One thing that calms our every anxiety, stress, or worry. One thing that remains constant and for that should be our only portion. Even when I don’t understand what is going on or why things happen the way that they do I know one thing is for certain: my God is greater and He is enough. He provides when I don’t even see it, He cares for me even when I’ve turned my back on Him, He alone is my portion. My one true cause.
Life Application Live in a way that brings worship to God even when you think He isn’t watching. If we believe that He alone is our portion and our cup, then our lives better reflect it. No more timid Christianity. It’s time to take pride in the one who created us and provides no matter the cost. He already paid the ultimate price, the least I can do is live a life of gratitude and worship. Worship is only speaking to His nature and thanking Him for His goodness. Words are not the only praise that should come from our bodies, our actions should be a living sacrifice to our one true portion, who despite any circumstance cares deeply for us. God, may I live a life that brings You honor, may I remind myself everyday when I wake up that Your plans for me are good, no matter the situation I may find myself in. May I not only rely on You when I need, but may You be the center of my being. Align my heart to Yours and may Your will be done in and through me. So be it! Amen.
-Allison Khan