08-17-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

August 17, 2019

Scripture: Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the LORD— he will support you! God will never let the righteous be shaken!

Thought for the Day: Does anyone else have a difficult time ‘casting’ those things that weigh heavy upon you? We can usually talk a good game about letting go or turning over to God, but do we really do this? I find that most folks struggle with the whole notion, especially in the middle of the night when anxiety creeps back in and the concern (issue, fear, etc) returns with authority and strength. It sticks to us like a dryer sheet in December. With this verse, and others like it, we tend to focus on the part that is easily repeated: Cast your burden on the LORD… This limited focus ignores the language of divine support and the steadiness of God found in the latter part of the verse. A contrast is made between us and God, suggesting that our casting will be a work in progress. As we both cast and cling, toss and hold tight, we can trust in God to work with us. Our inability to let go does not impact God’s capacity to remain faithful and encouraging. God is not looking for us to flog ourselves when we fail, but to appreciate God’s unchanging care and kindness that refuses to be anything but an unshakeable supporter in our struggles.

Prayer: Thank you for your unmerited love, O Lord, even when I struggle between trusting you and attempting to control those things that are out of my control. With your help, I will continue to work on those unhealthy things to which I grip tightly. Amen.

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