# The Lord Is My Portion explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/69-the-lord-is-my-portion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters