Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. —Psalm 55:22.
David prayed these words in the midst of very serious troubles. His anguish came from a close friend who betrayed him. David’s recourse was prayer, not revenge; he left that to God. He trusted God, knowing his prayer would be heard, knowing his God saves and redeems those who humbly turn to Him. They would not be moved or cast down to destruction as would the evil ones. (See all of Psalm 55 for context.)
Peter quoted from this verse in 1 Peter 5:6-11 to encourage believers to cast their anxieties on God and trust Him because He cares for them. God promises to sustain His children in the midst of the burdens of life. Christ already bore our biggest burden, our sin, on the cross. He is more than able to handle the burdens and troubles we face every day.
Sometimes it feels like the hard, overwhelming troubles of life are easier to cast on the Lord because I have nothing within myself to manage or navigate those trials. I know that I need Him when a loved one dies, in the midst of major health issues, or when I’m navigating financial and relational sorrows. However, lately, I’ve seen how this promise is also true for the day-to-day burdens of life we face. We are to give those anxieties to God as well. He loves to care for His children and loves it when we turn to Him for help, even in the mundane little things that make up our lives. We need to rely on Him rather than try to do things in our own strength. As Corrie ten Boom said: “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”
God has helped me do the work He has called me to do, and do it for His glory, in my vocation and the daily things in family life. When I struggle with technology issues, get frustrated because of misunderstandings in communication, or face other minor issues, I’m learning to look to God. He offers true help, strengthening my trust in Him for the best outcomes. He is teaching me that if I try to take things into my own (incapable) hands, or try to fix problems myself, my exasperation will dishonor Him and make things much worse.
This practice of trusting God with our burdens seems to be a secret to having peace and joy during trials, both big and small. God comforts and sustains those who turn to Him. His grace is sufficient when we cast our worries and cares on Him (2 Corinthians 12:9). He brings good out of each one of them (Romans 8:28). With this promise, we have every reason to hope.
For Reflection
What trials are hard for you to give over to God?
Do you view yourself as God’s child, and Him as your loving Father who longs to help and care for you? Where does pride or self-reliance hinder this kind of vulnerability and trust in God amidst the trials of life?
Consider praying with thanksgiving in the midst of your trials: Thank You, Lord, for being my faithful burden-bearer—for my sins and my troubles. Thank You for Your love and care for me and those You’ve given me to care for. Thank You that I can rely on You to sustain me through the trials of life, big and small. Help me to trust You moment by moment, and give You all the glory for the good You constantly do. You are great and worthy of all praise!
Lori Myers is a customer care specialist at Truth78 and serves as a ministry assistant in her church's Kids Ministry. She has been using the Fighter Verses memory program since 2004 beginning with The Sermon on the Mount (Extended Set 5). Daily practice on the Fighter Verses App still deepens her faith and knowledge of God's Word. She is blessed to have two amazing daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, and five adorable grandchildren.