Jesus Only, Be My Portion

Michael E. Wood

February 20, 2014

When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:23-26

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.   Ezekiel 11:19-20

Thankfully God does not save us through the sacrifice of Christ and then leave us to our own devices. He has given to us a new heart by the work of His Spirit and leads us into all truth as revealed through the scriptures. A part of the truth that He teaches us is that though our objective position before Him is secure in Christ, the struggle with remaining sin is a reality we must take responsibility for. We are freely given all things that pertain to life and godliness both for our own personal sanctification and for the furtherance of His kingdom.

Not the heart that You have given

But the flesh that yet remains

Gives me fits and blinds my vision

To the truth that Jesus reigns.

Help me walk then circumspectly

With discernment knowing then

You uphold me by the power

Of Your loving own right hand.

Jesus only, be my portion

Who sustains with confidence

To draw near You, God our Father

And to rest in His defense.

For all judgment You committed

Unto Him, who is my peace

And gives guidance by the Spirit

That Your kingdom may increase.

So with joy we sing Your praises

As we sojourn in the way

Which is best and to You pleasing

Till with You at end of day.