The Good Portion

The Good Portion is a narrative worship ballad that journeys through Scripture to show how our longing for God’s presence is fulfilled in Christ. The song begins with David, a king who had power and riches yet longed for one thing above all else—to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. His desire points forward to something greater than the temple, to a deeper communion that only God Himself could secure.

The second verse turns to Mary of Bethany, who chose to sit at Jesus’ feet while her sister Martha busied herself with many tasks. Her posture of rest illustrates the truth that intimacy with Christ is not earned by effort but received as a gift. Mary models the heart of prayer: not frantic activity, but enjoying the “one necessary thing.”

The final movement proclaims the fulfillment of David’s longing and Mary’s choice in the work of Jesus. By His death and resurrection, the veil was torn, the way opened, and sinners welcomed into the Father’s presence forever. The chorus and bridge lift the song into celebration: our portion and peace are already ours in Christ. Prayer is not striving, but resting in His finished work.

Lyrics

Verse 1 — David’s Longing (Psalm 27:4)
David was a king with armies and thrones,
Gold in his treasury, a kingdom his own.
Yet with all that he had, one cry filled his days:
“To dwell with the Lord, to gaze on His face.”
Not the strength of his armies, not the crown that he wore,
But the beauty of God was the treasure he longed for.
He knew the tabernacle was only a sign,
Pointing ahead to a glory divine.

Pre-Chorus
Every sacrifice, every song of praise,
Was a shadow of mercy yet to be displayed.

Chorus
You are my portion, You are my peace,
Not my striving but Your love carries me.
You tore the veil, You opened the way,
Now I rest in the gift of amazing grace.

Verse 2 — Mary’s Choice (Luke 10:38–42)
Two sisters received Him, their Lord in their home,
One rushed to serve Him, the other sat close.
Martha grew anxious with all she must do,
But Mary knew better: one thing was true.
To sit at His feet, to listen and stay,
To drink living water that never decays.
The work could keep waiting, the table could wait,
But His words were eternal, the portion of faith.

Pre-Chorus
Not in what I do, but in what You’ve done,
Rest is mine because of the Son.

Chorus
You are my portion, You are my peace,
Not my striving but Your love carries me.
You tore the veil, You opened the way,
Now I rest in the gift of amazing grace.

Verse 3 — Jesus’ Fulfillment (Hebrews 10:19–22)
Then came the Savior, God’s promise revealed,
The Lamb on the altar, whose blood makes us healed.
The curtain was torn, the barrier gone,
Now sinners are welcomed, the lost are brought home.
No more ladder to climb, no temple of stone,
Christ is our dwelling, our refuge, our throne.
The King who was longed for, the Teacher adored,
Is the risen Redeemer, forever our Lord.

Bridge
No ladder to climb, no debt left to pay,
The work is complete, the stone rolled away.
I’m welcomed inside, by mercy alone,
The Father has called me, His child, His own.

Final Chorus (gentle start, then swelling)
You are my portion, You are my peace,
Not my striving but Your love carries me.
You tore the veil, You opened the way,
Now I rest in the gift of amazing grace.

Tag
The good portion is mine,
Jesus, You are my life.
Forever my portion,
Forever my Christ.