Modern Psalms: You are my Portion
“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16: 5-8, NIV)
Lord,
You are such a good God. You have walked beside me every day of my life, whether I deserved it or not. If I’m being honest, I never deserved your love, care, or grace. But you pursued me. You watched over me, protected me, and drew me to you. There were seasons in my life when I desired things that glorified me more than I desired you. I prioritized my friends, family, dreams, and pleasure, and still there are times where that creeps back in.
I need you. I need you to help me desire you more. I need you to show my heart to be content in the lot you’ve given me. If I’m being honest, my lot is generous. You’ve never left me or abandoned me in times of need. My life is full of treasures that you alone have given. Help me to appreciate them more, and not to cast them aside in favor of things that don’t matter– things that could never bring me joy in the way that you do.
You alone are my portion and my cup. There are no others that could satisfy me the way you do. No one else could fill my heart, challenge my mind, and comfort my soul the way you can. Give me a peace that permeates every situation in my life, in moments of chaos or grief, and in times of joy and contentment. Give me a joy that is rooted in your love, one that cannot be changed due to flimsy circumstances.
But even if I should lose everything in my life that I cherish tomorrow, strengthen my faith so that I can truly see that the inheritance that you provide me by being my God is richer than anything else I could have. Help me to live so planted in that. Change my heart to be more like yours all the time, every day. Show me the parts of myself that have yet to be surrendered to you. Give me the endurance and the courage to face down my convictions and change those parts of me that you want for yourself. Speak to my stubbornness and soften my heart to give over those things that need to be submitted to you and refined.
Help me to praise you, even when I prickle against that refining. Teach me your ways, even when I sleep. Train me to follow your will, even when it’s not convenient. I want to rest in you effortlessly. I want to know you intimately.
If you walk with me, life cannot shake me. If you stand by me, I don’t have to fear what’s coming tomorrow. Fill me with your love and teach me who you are. Let it overflow from my mouth in praise, and minister to those around me. When people come into my house, let them feel your presence. When people meet me, let them be encouraged to follow you all the more. Let my family find your rest in the home you help me make. Let my friends be inspired to worship you deeper in our conversations and when we spend time together.
Let my life point to you. Let my comings and goings glorify you. Let worshiping you be my life’s work, and not just in song but in my lifestyle.
You are enough for me. Prove that to my heart every day. Whether I’m walking through the darkest days I’ll ever know or the best that life has to offer, I pray that I would be always aware of your presence and your workings. Thank you for strengthening me to stand firm on your promises. Thank you for giving me the ability to understand your word and realize it in my heart. Thank you for awakening my heart to you and extending your Spirit to me. Thank you for saving me and taking me by the hand, even in my rebellion. Thank you for being so good to me, and I pray that you would help me to share with others the God I have come to know and serve and magnify.
I love you.
Talk soon,
Cortney
