7 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
Psalm 55:22 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Psalm 55:22 is a wonderful verse, isn’t it? It states the obvious by saying that we will have burdens to bear in this life. But, we aren’t to struggle under the load. We are to toss them upon the Lord’s back. He is much better able to handle them. In so doing, we won’t get worn out or unduly shaken because of them.
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Now, here’s a side note before I go to another passage of Scripture. The Old Testament is just as much the Bible as the New Testament is. Both Testaments (Covenants) make up the 66 books that we call the Bible, or the Scriptures.
Yet, we realize that the light shines so much brighter in the New Testament. When I say that, I am referring to “progressive revelation.” That designation simply points to the fact that while the Old Testament is God’s Word, it wasn’t as clear as the New Testament. Forgiveness was addressed in the Old Testament but the New Testament shows us the cross and illustrates forgiveness so much better. Jesus was often spoken about in the Old Testament (Luke 24:13-15, 25-27) but it is the New Testament that unpacks who He is so that we understand Him so much better.
With the understanding that the New Testament unpacks so many of the Old Testament truths and shows them to us so much more clearly, what does the New Testament say about Psalm 55:22?
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The New Testament actually quotes Psalm 55:22. We see it in 1 Peter 5:7.
So let’s look at Psalm 55:22 again and then we’ll look briefly at 1 Peter 5:6-9.
Psalm 55:22 (CSB): “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
We are told in the previous passage to “cast (our) burden on the LORD.” But, is He a willing partner? Will He resent me for doing so or does He deeply care for me?
When I cast my burden upon the LORD, is He really able to handle it. Is He limited in His power or does He have a mighty right hand, capable of handling anything I place upon Him?
What causes the burdens that I am to cast upon the Lord? Are they simply due to the fact that I live in a broken world or do I have a sinister adversary who is prowling around like a roaring lion that puts those burdens upon me?
All of these questions and more are unpacked in 1 Peter 5:6-9. The Apostle Peter, moved by the Holy Spirit, quoted Psalm 55:22 but shed a ton of light upon that truth so that we could more clearly understand it and embrace it.
Read the following verses slowly and reflectively. Let God’s Holy Spirit inform your mind and comfort your heart, especially if you are carrying a lot of burdens right now.
1 Peter 5:6-9 (CSB): “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”
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Lord Jesus, thank You so much that You have given me Your Word. Within its pages, I gain insight and find the courage to live this one life You have entrusted to me. I pray that You would continue to help me understand how I can cast my cares upon You so that I am not overwhelmed by all of the burdens that surround me. I am tired of being anxious and shaken. I want to rest in You. Please give me the faith to live that way. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 
thank you for the reminder
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You are welcome, friend.
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