We all struggle with accepting our lot in life. Sometimes we feel that our share of pain, disappointments, and setbacks is just too much to endure.
It seems life is getting harder and no one is immune to hardships, disappointments, and losses. A global pandemic, social distancing, isolation, anxiety, and uncertain future cast dark shadows in our lives.
When I struggle to accept more and more difficulties and anguish coming my way, I remind myself of the words of Psalm 16: “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” – (Psalm 16:5-6 NIV)
A Secure Lot and Boundaries in Pleasant Places
Yes, each one of us has a secure lot in life and boundaries in pleasant places and a delightful inheritance. These places may involve heartaches, loss, betrayal, and things we want to avoid. But they also include a portion of the presence and love of God, a gladness, peace, and joy only He could give. It is exactly amidst our struggles that we experience our share of God’s abundant grace, provision, and power.
Our lot in life is secure when we make God our portion. It doesn’t matter what happens to us in life, He alone can sustain and satisfy our souls. It is the realization that He is the source of all our blessings, and our living Hope not only for this life but eternity, that we can be satisfied. Because God is unshakable and a safe place for us, our lot is secure too. We can rest and be at peace.
Our Delightful Inheritance in Christ
Our lot as believers includes a delightful and incorruptible inheritance in Christ. “God has revived us for a living hope, for an inheritance can never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for us.” (1 Peter 1: 3-4). We also have access now and here on this earth to this vast heritage. The life of God in us and through us, as well as His nature and character, abounds in us, and His glory, reflected in us.
This is also the great mystery: Christ in us – the hope of glory! This is the essence of our inheritance and reward – sharing in God’s glory, in all that God is and has. God makes us co-heirs with Christ! To them, God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
The Number One Reason to Accept Our Lot in Life
Friend, you may think that this all sounds very well but does not relieve your pain or bring back your loved one or erase the losses and tragedies that you have experienced. I understand. But there is one reason and major motivation that can help us move beyond the pain and accept our lot in life with gratitude, understanding, and as an act of worship. This reason is that God alone is our lot, He gives it, He fills it, He redeems it.
Katherine Wolf has said it beautifully in the new book “Suffer Strong”:
“Embracing the lot we’ve been given is about embracing the God who gives it. So, no matter what it’s filled with, we’re already filled by Him.”
Our lot in life is filled by Him and this is everything that matters.
Prayer
Lord, please remind me when I feel overwhelmed and discouraged about my circumstances, to acknowledge that You have set a path before me, crafted uniquely for me. Everything that happens to me is an opportunity to experience You and Your power more deeply. I surrender my burden to you and accept my lot because You are there, and You are my portion.
