Lam. 3:24

"The LORD is my portion, says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him" Lam. 3:24

It's not unusual. It happens all the time. Two little boys fight over the biggest piece of cake. Two little girls struggle over who has the most candy. Even adults have their own version of the same conflict. It is not unusual for an employer to tell a trusted employee, "Don't tell the others what kind of raise you received." Inevitably the information "leaks" and someone is offended. "How could he get that kind of raise? I have been here twice as long as he has." We all seem to want the largest piece of the pie whether it is figurative or literal.

Jeremiah has his own version of the eternal battle over portion size. "The Lord is my portion" Therefore I hope in Him." In this short poetic sentence the prophet puts to rest the struggle for himself, and sets the example for us. Let's look at what he means.

First, Jeremiah says that God is enough for him. He will not participate in the selfish frivolities of the average man. He is content with what God wants him to have. He may be given a luxury villa on a prestigious street in Jerusalem. Or, he could live in a humble shack on the edge of the Kidron Valley.

Paul said something similar, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phil. 4:11) Both Paul and Jeremiah have learned the key to success in God. Be content with whatever God give you.

Second, Jeremiah has placed his expectations for the future in the God who supplies his every need. "I hope in Him." He doesn't place his trust in the Jerusalem Stock Exchange. He doesn't insist on a large MPF to provide for his retirement. He isn't looking to climb over anyone's back to reach the next rung on the "prophetic" ladder. Jeremiah has placed his total dependence on God who brought him safe thus far.

There is great peace in Jeremiah's position. Think about it. That confidence in God prevents ulcers. Prilosec, eat your heart out. Jeremiah didn't worry about anything. He trusted God, God was his portion, his provision, his all-in-all. What did he have to worry about? He didn't need to wonder whether the rain would water his crops. He didn't have to worry when the boss invited him into the office for an "update." ("Is he downsizing me? How will I pay the bills? How will I feed my family? Why did he have to set the appointment five hours from now?") Jeremiah took life one day at a time knowing where his provision came from. He knew that if something happened to him, God would provide for his family.

We can learn a lot from Jeremiah's simple statement. If we can learn to trust in the Lord like he did, we won't have a worry in the world, but most of us continue to seek our provision in our own efforts. We work hard at worrying ourselves into reflux city. Then we complain to God that we can't sleep at night because the antacid hasn't kicked in. It would be wise if we would, with Jeremiah, say that God is our portion therefore we will have hope (trust, confidence) in Him. Amen and Amen.