Have you met Asaph? He was one of the worship leaders appointed by King David. Twelve of the psalms are credited to him or his sons, including #73.
Read that particular psalm in a modern translation or paraphrase, and you’ll think Asaph is a present-day poet. He writes about pretentious, arrogant people who wear the latest fashions–how they’re pampered, overfed, and full of hot air.
“People actually listen to them—can you believe it?” he complains (vs. 6-10, The Message).
Asaph found his attention drawn to these people who seemed to have it made. He lost sight of true reality for a moment–until he refocused on God and his ways. Asaph realized that many who appear confident and successful are actually on a slippery slope toward disaster. They do not know God.
Tucked at the end of Psalm 73 Asaph celebrates a number of glorious blessings we enjoy as children of the Most High God:
- He is as close as a father holding his son or daughter by the hand
- With perfect wisdom he guides us through life
- When our earthly lives are completed, he’ll take us to heaven to be with him
- He is our strength—dependable and empowering
- He is our portion forever (vs. 23-26)
These are precious gifts that money cannot buy. God—our constant companion, our perfect guide, our omnipotent strength. Simply affirming such attributes can energize my spirit and provide new resolve.
But one concept does leave me puzzled: “God, my portion.”
A bit of research revealed that the statement, “My portion forever,” is a metaphor taken from an ancient custom of the Jews. When the patriarch of a family died, they would divide the inheritance among the sons. Each would receive his allotted portion, and have his basic necessities taken care of.
The psalmist is proclaiming that GOD is his portion. That portion includes the Lord’s presence, power, strength, peace, joy—all supplied in generous measure. And those are just a few of his many attributes, blessing us with sublime goodness.
Unlike the inherited portion of ancient times, all of God’s children receive all of him, not just a part.
And God as our portion will never diminish. Never could we exhaust all of these attributes. He will be our gracious, caring, empowering Heavenly Father forever.
“As for me, it is good to be near God,” the psalmist continued (v. 28). He’s saying, to live with God is good for us.
Oh, yes. To rest secure upon him as our foundation is the epitome of peace.
To allow him to work through us to fulfill his perfect plan is the essence of fulfillment.
To know that heaven awaits is the height of security.
God as our portion means complete wholeness and absolute contentment.
Who could want anything more?
* * * * * * * * * *
Like Asaph, Father, I can lose my focus on what is truly important and valuable. Thank you for this timeless psalm that draws me back to you and the splendorous gifts you offer. Thank you for nurturing me so that I may affirm with Asaph: “ Earth has nothing I desire besides you” (v. 25). Amen—so be it.
(Photo credit: www.susancady.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Nancy,
Thanks for the inspiration which we know at this stage of maturity but always need to be refreshed and growing in our walk. Pray you and Steve are enjoying retirement and your family. Which I am sure you are. God is good and there is always joy in serving sometimes more so in retirement.
Love, Janet
Yep, refreshment is always welcome in my heart, too! And yes, we’re enjoying very much being close to family, babysitting Elena Mon-Fri, exploring what Cincinnati has to offer, etc. Not sure I feel “retired” yet. Just what IS it supposed to feel like?!
Well spoken ~ and I was just thinking today just how rich I am just to know him and receive His Portion. ~ Amen :Y
How about that! Isn’t it fun when our thoughts run along the same track? Blessings to you!
wow love being inspired and educated. didn’t know about the portion concept. That adds lots of meaning to that verse.
Thank you, Jean. I love discovering new concepts in God’s Word, too!
Thanks for these words, Nancy. Very inspiring. I’ve been going through some very rough things the last year or so. I took a huge leap of faith and quit my job a little over a year ago, and it’s been rough going ever since. I made that decision very prayerfully and thought for sure that God would provide something not longer after I left my last job, but I’ve been dealing with unemployment and financial hardships for more than a year now and every time I apply for a job, I get the door slammed in my face. It’s hard to trust that God is my provider when the doors keep closing, but this is a great reminder that he is my portion and provider no matter what. Thanks!
Jessica, my heart aches for you as you face uncertainty and rejection–both such painful experiences. I pray God SOON provides a job and in retrospect, you will be able to see that his provision, his timing was best after all. Do let me know how events unfold. I will continue to pray!
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! I will definitely let you know how things turn out.
A blessing is that God’s portion is there for us daily, not just now and then but every day. Thanks Nancy for the reminder. God bless you.
Oh, yes! Praise God for his constancy! And thank you, Laura, for your added insight.
I had always just skipped over that phrase ‘He is our portion forever’ without giving it much thought other than He is there for me. Through your research you have given new depth and meaning to ‘portion’. I love the way ALL of God’s children receive ALL of Him. Thank you for this. No one else but God can give 100% of Himself to 100% of His people. This is especially meaningful to me as a mathematics major, as mere mortals must divide their efforts and time among many people and situations. We multitask our way through life, dividing our time and energy almost by rote. God is ALWAYS doing what man presumes is impossible! How I love Him for this!
So glad you found the post meaningful, Cheri. “All of us have all of Him.” It IS rather mind-boggling, isn’t it? Thank you for your thoughtful comments.