April 17

Cast Your Cares

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 55:16-23 | Joshua 15:1-63 | Luke 18:18-43 | Proverbs 13:9-10

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 55:16-23

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22 NIV). 

David laments the wounds caused by the betrayal of a close friend. He is filled with anguish, fear and troubled thoughts. He wishes he could fly away like a bird–escaping the hurt. But realizes a better course is to take his burden to God.

He places his burden in God’s strong hands. He pours out his wounded heart to the God who hears: “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress and he hears my voice. . . . God who is enthroned forever will hear” (16-19). God is working out all things according to his plan and purpose. He is enthroned forever and he is listening. Matthew Henry wrote: “He, who bore the burden of our sorrows, desires us to leave to him to bear the burden of our cares, that, as he knows what is best for us, he may provide it accordingly. Why do not we trust Christ to govern the world which he redeemed?”

David casts his cares on the LORD and finds that the LORD sustains him. He knows that God will never let the righteous fall. He reaffirms his trust: “But as for me, I trust in you.”

The wounds from a friend or loved one can be especially painful. Take them along with your other wounds and concerns to the LORD; cast your burden upon him. Rest in his promises and find his sustaining power. As you cast your cares upon Him, you learn the healing truth that he loves you and cares for you–and he will never betray you or let you fall.

“Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders–he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin” (The Message).

Compassionate God, thank you for loving and caring for me. When I am tempted to carry my own burdens, help me to learn to bring them to you. Help me to cast them upon you and find peace and freedom. I trust you to care for these concerns and never let me fall. Amen.