The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup. You surely keep my portion.
“Inheritance,” “cup,” and “portion” here portray everything a person has received as his share in life. Many tie their security to possessions, status, or material inheritance, but David declares that his greatest portion is the Lord Himself. The words “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup” show that he receives the course of his life and his future from God’s hand. The phrase “You surely keep my portion” is a statement of trust. David’s true security does not depend on changing circumstances, because what is most precious to him—his relationship with God—is kept by the Lord Himself. This does not mean that material goods have no value; rather, it means they must be recognized in their proper place and in the right way. A believer may have much or lose much, but if the Lord is his portion, the most important foundation of his life remains unshaken. This understanding also teaches one to be content in abundance and not to lose hope in times of lack.