God Promises He is Your Portion

Psalms 142:3-5 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. 4 Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. 5 I cry to you, O LORD I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
 
HAVE you been in a cave? David was. When God anointed David to become Israel’s next king, David became King Saul’s enemy, and Saul then sought to destroy David, God’s anointed. One of the many places David found refuge from Saul’s hateful jealousy was a cave in En Gadi, a remote area of cliffs near the Dead Sea.
   Hiding in a physical cave caused David to experience a dark spiritual cave that threatened to keep him from his future. That’s why he prayed for God’s help. When my spirit grows faint within me, I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” David is saying God has given of himself to David. How does David know this?
   Let’s consider. How do you respond when circumstances force you into a cave? Perhaps an accident causes severe injuries; an illness threatens your life; a relationship breaks apart; a job loss leaves you wondering “What’s next?” Challenges and threats surround you as a powerful army waiting to destroy you. What do you need to walk out of the dark cave into the light of hope and confidence for your future?
   You look for the light that leads you to the exit. Where’s the light? David says the light is in God’s law. Psalms 19:8b The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. That’s why he faithfully prayed: When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. David knew the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. And he also knew the LORD’s way is the only way out of the cave. “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
   That’s why he didn’t kill Saul. God seemed to test David’s faithfulness when Saul entered the cave to relieve himself. The king did not know David and his men were close enough to kill him. Although David’s men urged him to take Saul’s life, He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’S anointed.” (1 Samuel 24:6) David  based his actions on the law. He saw all events as the LORD’s will. David did not see Saul as his enemy. David’s enemy is the temptation to reject God’s law. David confessed God has made him who he is. God has anointed him his wisdom. “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”  
   The LORD had given a portion of himself to David. God’s will became David’s will for his destiny. David was committed to fulfill God’s call, not his own desires. That’s why David could pray in expectation: V 7a Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name. He wanted to be free not only for his own sake, he wanted to praise God’s name, to follow God’s laws and to live in God’s purpose for his life.
   Today, God has given you his portion through Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s full revelation to mankind. He is the Light to point to you the way to your salvation. “When He gave us Jesus Christ, He gave us all that we will ever need.” (Warren Wiersbe) Nothing can remove us from that relationship. If there is some dark “cave” holding you hostage, trust God’s promise. Cry out to him and know he is your refuge and portion in the land of the living.
   As you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God’s Holy Spirit is now God’s portion to anoint you with eternal life. God’s will becomes your will. You walk into the light, faithful to the way God has anointed you.