Happy and Blessed - Pt. 9

 

The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes! (Psalm 119:57-64 ESV).

 

Today’s Scripture reading seems so contemporary. With words such as “…though the cords of the wicked ensnare me” (v. 61) the psalmist continues his lament in this section of Psalm 119. The more I read this psalm, the more I am struck with the raw depth of emotion expressed by the writer. And yet we can sense that the psalmist finds safety in the promises and love of the Lord, the surest source of comfort and protection. Like the author of our meme today, he seems to be saying, “When you turn your worries to worship, God will turn your battles into blessings.” I know that seems both simplistic and counter-intuitive in a day such as we face; however, I also know both from personal experience and the history of God’s interaction with His people in the past that it is the absolute unvarnished truth!

 

Notice that this section begins with the words “The Lord is my portion…” (v. 57).  This is likely a reference to the way God gave portions of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel (cf. Joshua 13-21). Allotments were given to all of the tribes except for the tribe of Levi, because God had dedicated the Levites to serve and lead in the worship of the Lord. Their service to God included everything from offering sacrifices to teaching the law, and from leading in worship to taking care of all the materials used for worship (cf. Exodus 25-30). As Joshua explained to the people, “The Levites… do not get a portion among you, because the priestly service of the Lord is their inheritance” (Joshua 18:7).

 

I can say that I have understood that truth more as the years passed. With over fifty years of ministry past now, I have intimately known what it was like to be wholly dependent on the Lord for what “my share” would be each month. There were feasts and famines along the way. My experiences have underscored the truth that God has never forgotten nor forsaken me. It certainly forced me to depend on God more with each passing moment. In a similar way, the psalmist has nothing and no one but God to depend on. The Lord is his portion, his inheritance. In utter dependence and trust, the psalmist takes everything to God in prayer, including his laments. With God as our portion, we too have the privilege of taking all our troubles and cares to the One whose guidance and instruction give us full life. That’s how you turn worries to blessings!