Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Lord Is My Portion explained
This hymn expresses the believer's complete satisfaction and contentment in God as their portion, contrasting the fleeting joys of the world with the eternal security found in Christ.
What happens
This hymn expresses the believer's complete satisfaction and contentment in God as their portion, contrasting the fleeting joys of the world with the eternal security found in Christ. The speaker declares that Jesus, who rules all creation, has given Himself to the believer, providing love, forgiveness, and preservation. The hymn emphasizes reliance on God's Word and Spirit for daily strength, and the willingness to endure loss and disgrace for the sake of the cross, looking forward to an eternal crown.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The believer's satisfaction and security are entirely due to God's gracious gift of Himself, not human merit.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The hymn looks forward to an eternal crown and joys that have no end, contrasting with the temporary pleasures of the world.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
The believer's portion, who rules heaven and earth, gives Himself to the believer, pleads in heaven, and preserves on earth.
- The Holy Spirit
The guide who leads the believer and supplies daily needs.
- The Lord
The portion of the believer's soul, whose word is food and whose promise sustains.
Key passages
“From pole to pole let others roam, And search in vain for bliss; My soul is satisfied at home, The Lord my portion is.”
Others may travel the world seeking happiness, but I find complete satisfaction in God alone, who is my inheritance.
The opening stanza establishes the central theme of contentment in God as the believer's portion.
“His person fixes all my love, His blood removes my fear; And while he pleads for me above, His arm preserves me here.”
My love is wholly set on Christ; His sacrifice takes away my fear. He intercedes for me in heaven while protecting me on earth.
This stanza highlights the believer's love for Christ, the atoning work of His blood, and His ongoing intercession and preservation.