“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
As we prepare to wave farewell to 2010, some may be rejoicing at its departure, others are still mulling over many unresolved issues that are currently plaguing their minds, causing anxiety and concern for their future. I know that the end of the year is a great time for evaluation, but also a time for anticipation, both good and sometimes not-so-good. Our passage today comes from the Psalms, and it is a great reminder that when David was overwhelmed, he was also reminded to cast his burden upon the Lord and experience the sustaining power of God’s love and mercy. I recently read about how an ancient rabbi once explained Psalm 55:22 by telling of a man walking through the desert who carried a heavy load on his back. One day he fell into the company of an Arabian tradesman who told him, "Take your burden and toss it on my camel." The man did so, and his trip became more pleasant. The rabbi said the word "cast" meant "to toss something from one place to another." While we journey through this life, we need times when we can “cast” our burden upon another source, and many times our friends and family members are equally weighed down and can’t take much more. Let’s remember to cast our burdens upon the LORD, and feel the relief that comes from trusting in Him to carry it to where it needs to go.
The apostle Peter must have been thinking of this psalm when he said, "...casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). In the Greek New Testament, the same word was used in the Gospels to describe the disciples' tossing their clothes on the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem. These "twin" verses in Psalms and 1 Peter double our assurance that God can bear our load, carry our burden, sustain our hearts in difficulty, and work all things together for our good. Trouble can be the means by which He teaches us to trust Him afresh. Jesus calls to us today from the gospel writings when He said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. When I am tired, weary of the things of this life, I want to remember Jesus calling to me, and run into His big strong arms and rest in His strength. God also said through the prophet Jeremiah: “For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone with a sorrowful soul.” Jeremiah 31:25 I vote for times of refreshing in 2011, how about you? Cast your cares on the Lord today, and He will sustain you.
Shalom, sister Lahoma
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