Welcome to Buoy, a Life in Deeper Water podcast.

Episode 60.

The Lord is my Portion (stay at His Table for a heart that is full)

Hello human.

I am thinking about mashed potatoes. And portion control.

That second helping. Because it was so good the first time.

Because I want the savory delight to continue.

Maybe you think about that too in prep for any holiday. In this case, Thanksgiving.

I also think about conversations with family—the good, the bad, the awkward.

I am always aware of how far a conversation with a family is going, where not to go with it to preserve the Thanksgiving vibe, when the conversation has reached its capacity to preserve the goodness of the day. That I hold in reserve that which might deepen the relationship, that sidebar conversation that splits off from the feasting banter, that could do so much good. Yet, requires a little spiritual risk.

Says My Soul

This all brings to mind a scripture I grew up saying.

Lamentations 3:24

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore I have hope in Him.”

 

In the Old Testament the word “portion” is often used to reference the inheritance we receive through our redemption and salvation. Of course, this covers everything we will ever need.

But I find it so elusive to embrace the full weight of my spiritual inheritance in one moment, one thought, one prayer, one affirmation. It is hard to get a mental grip and keep that grip.

Yet there is eternal power in the moment that is full with this:  Jesus is enough. He is full with divinity.

When we talk about God being timeless this is the best representation of that for me. That in any given moment, if I turn my focus to sitting at Jesus’ feet, I am suspended in eternity with Him in His fullness.

Someone did that long before we did, a young woman that we all know.

Martha’s sister, Mary.

The Good Portion

Martha had invited Jesus over for a meal. She would, of course, do this naturally as an outgoing woman with the gift of hospitality. She wanted to do well, to put her best hosting foot forward, and she needed help from her sister, who was, as she would have likely perceived it, in some type of “trance’ at Jesus’ feet.

Luke 10: 41-42 English Standard Version

41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

 

The familiar commentary on this is to point out Martha’s busy nature and poor attitude toward Mary not helping her with the obvious tasks. I have heard so many women say, “Oh yes, I am a Martha. I must help people, I must host.” A kind of service badge of honor. It’s not my natural tendency but I have done it on occasion.

Yet Jesus is deliberate in getting Martha’s attention, asking her to understand that her anxiety and troubled nature comes from focusing on many things, instead of the one thing.

Jesus refers to Mary as having chosen the “good portion” … by definition of the Greek word, “an assigned part, a portion, share… and that this is the portion that does not fall under the rule of others, under the pretense of what others think, but rather a portion that is set apart and preserved in its divine state through seeking to understand, to believe, to accept that Jesus is enough.

That Jesus is the only one in the room. In your room. In your world of choices, He is always the choice.

That one-on-one time with Jesus is what fills you up. While serving others is the obedient act that follows, it always starts with the portion God has given us through His Son.

This is why Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. She chose her portion. And Jesus affirmed that her time, our time, will not be taken from us.

That is why when I sit at the feet of Jesus, I don’t need a second helping. The first helping I receive will always make that moment full, make my heart full.

Stay at the Table A Little Longer

Let’s be like Mary. Let’s think about, be attentive to choosing a conversation with a loved one before jumping up to clear the table. Stay at the table a little longer. Hear more of what your loved one has to say.

Happy Thanksgiving human. May your heart be full. Stay at my table for just a little more. Share this moment with me – that Jesus is our portion.

Psalm 16:5-11

5 The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;

         You support my lot.

6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;

         Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

7 I will bless the LORD who has counseled me;

         Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

8 I have set the LORD continually before me;

         Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;

         My flesh also will dwell securely.

10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;

         Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

11 You will make known to me the path of life;

         In Your presence is fullness of joy;

         In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.