The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. — Psalm 16:5 KJV
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. — Psalm 16:5 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
In this short verse, the psalmist expresses a deep, abiding faith in the sovereignty of God. It provides a picture of the psalmist’s utter trust and dependence on God, acknowledging Him as the source of everything – from his daily bread, to his destiny and purpose.
“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup” is a beautiful statement of choosing God above everything else. It depicts a relationship where the believer is saying, ‘God, I choose You. You are all that I want, all that I need.’ It indicates a preference for the eternal over the temporal, the divine over the worldly. The metaphor of God as “my chosen portion” is reminiscent of a meal, indicating sustenance, while “my cup” could refer to a source of both physical and spiritual refreshment. Thus, the Psalmist recognizes God as his sustainer and satisfaction.
“You hold my lot” – the word ‘lot’ here can refer to one’s circumstances, destiny, or inheritance. The Psalmist acknowledges that God holds and controls everything. This is a confession of faith in God’s sovereignty over life’s events, whether they are big or small. It’s a declaration that God is in control, shaping our lives, and directing our paths.
When we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of the importance of putting God first in our lives. It encourages us to trust in Him completely and allow Him to guide our path, to satisfy our needs, and to fill our lives with His presence.
Often, we become consumed with worry or fear when we face challenging circumstances, but this verse reassures us that God holds our lives in His hands. As Christians, we can take comfort in knowing that our lives, our futures, are secure in the hands of our loving God. It allows us to surrender control, to trust Him in every circumstance, knowing that He works for our good.
This verse therefore reminds us of our reliance on God and His love and care for us. It prompts us to surrender ourselves fully to His guidance and to trust in His goodness and sovereignty. It is a powerful reflection of the kind of relationship God desires with us – one of intimacy, trust, and reliance. This verse calls us to live out our faith in a practical way, trusting God not just with some parts of our lives, but with everything.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, humbled and thankful, with Psalm 16:5 in my heart. “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.”
Lord, I want to echo these words in my own life. I choose You, Lord. You are my portion, the sustenance for my soul, and my cup, the source of my joy and refreshment. You are more than enough for me. Help me to seek You first in everything, to find my satisfaction and fulfillment in You alone.
In the uncertainties of life, remind me that You are holding my lot. You are the keeper of my life’s path, the One who directs my steps. Teach me to trust in Your sovereignty and goodness, even when I don’t understand what’s happening around me.
In my moments of worry, fear, or doubt, remind me of Your unchanging nature and Your unfailing love. Help me to lean into Your strength and find peace in Your presence. And Lord, in my moments of joy, let me not forget that every good gift comes from You.
Help me to surrender every part of my life to You – my hopes, my dreams, my fears, and my uncertainties. Shape me and mold me according to Your will. Let me find my identity and purpose in You alone.
I thank You, Father, for Your love and Your grace. Thank You for holding my life in Your hands and for being my chosen portion and my cup. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.