Give Thanks for a Bountiful Portion
Warning: Thanksgiving is this Thursday. I hope you’ve already begun to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator as recommended. One year, I experienced beginning Thanksgiving day with a frozen bird, and it is not a good thing.
Thanksgiving is a food holiday in our house. We gather and we enjoy each other’s company, but it’s really all about the food. That’s the way it feels at least as I consider what various sides will delight each individual member of my family. I must consider the necessary quantity of each dish. Some sides are one taste and done while other sides are “please pass the whatever to me again.”
Sadly, this year I feel compelled to portion out what I choose to eat. No going overboard on the potatoes, no sneaking into the kitchen for another taste of pie. I worked hard this year to lose some pesky pounds and they are threatening to return. Thanksgiving could be my demise.
Why does the idea of portion control have to seem so daunting and dis-satisfying?
What is a Portion?
The definition of portion is “part of any whole.” No where does it say that the portion must be meager. Too often in my mind the concept of portion is more aligned with words like fraction or morsel and phrases like just a taste or a little bit.
I’ve noticed that my struggle with the idea of portion translates into my relationship with God. The Bible often refers to God as our portion. David talks about God being his portion in several of his psalms.
“Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me I pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6 CSB
“The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep your words. I have sought your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”
Psalm 119:57-58 CSB
“I cry to you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my shelter, my portion in the land of the living.’” Psalm 142:5 CSB
Psalm 142:5 CSB
Portion References the Promised Land
The idea of God as David’s portion references when God divided the Promised Land for the twelve tribes. Each tribe was given a portion of the Promised Land to provide for their tribe and be their livelihood for generations. It was a gift of good provision, and safety, and autonomy after being slaves in Egypt.
One tribe, the Levites, who were the priests for the nation of Israel, God treated differently. Joshua 18:7 says, “But the Levites have no portion among you, because the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance.” In other words, God was to be their portion; He would be their provider, their safety, their home.
David is from the tribe of Judah, and yet he recognized that God was ultimately the One who provided all he needed. As you read the Psalms, you hear David declaring that God is his provider, his refuge, his strength, and his joy. So, when David says, “But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever,” (Psalms 73:26b, CSB) he is stating God is his sustenance, and God is always enough, always satisfying.
God is Our Portion
As believers, God is to be our portion. When you think of all the world has to offer, God is our allotment, our piece of the pie. Sometimes that’s hard, just like choosing between the carbs in the mashed potatoes, or in the homemade rolls. We struggle because the world appears so delicious, and we perceive it won’t be the same if we can’t have a taste of everything at the table.
The problem comes because we are focusing on what we are not receiving instead of what we are being given. God gives us the best He can give; He gives us Himself. We gain the very presence of almighty God in our everyday lives. God gifts us His wisdom, His strength, His joy, and eternity with Him in all His glory. It is a portion that is completely satisfying in every way.
Give Thanks for Your Portion
So, before you begin crafting your annual list of thankfulness, focus your heart on the truth that God is your portion. You have gobs of blessings, a hunk of mercy and a chunk of grace. The Lamb of God gives you the lion’s share. Your portion is no scrap and it’s far beyond a little taste.
In all reality, we aren’t given a segment, a fragment, or an excerpt. We are invited to feast at the table of the King of Kings. There is no portion-control, just life in abundance. Can I hear a Hallelujah?
Blessings on your Thanksgiving. I’m praying for you.
Thanksgiving Feast Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash
