““CAST YOUR BURDEN CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD”ON THE LORD”

When a Christian is AnxiousWhen a Christian is Anxious

THE PSALMIST’S ANGUISHTHE PSALMIST’S ANGUISH

PSALM 55.2-8 I am overcome by my trouble. I am distraught by

the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring

trouble upon me, and in anger they cherish enmity against me. My heart is in anguish

within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and

horror overwhelms me. And I say, "O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at

rest; yea, I would wander afar, I would lodge in the wilderness, I would haste to find me a

shelter from the raging wind and tempest." 

THE PSALMIST’S ANGUISH THE PSALMIST’S ANGUISH

PSALM 55.12-14, 20-21

It is not an enemy who taunts me--then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals

insolently with me--then I could hide from him. But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to hold sweet converse

together; within God's house we walked in fellowship. My companion stretched out his

hand against his friends, he violated his covenant. His speech was smoother than

butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn

swords. 

THE PSALMIST’S WISHESTHE PSALMIST’S WISHES

PSALM 55.9-11

Destroy their plans, O Lord, confuse their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls; and mischief and trouble are within

it, ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its market place.

THE PSALMIST’S WISHESTHE PSALMIST’S WISHES

Psalm 55.22,23

  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never

permit the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, wilt cast

them down into the lowest pit; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in

thee.

PROPER READING OF PROPER READING OF GOD’S WORD GOD’S WORD

How do we interpret this?

“... he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved”

(NIV: “fall”) “Cast your burden on the LORD”

PROPER READING OF PROPER READING OF GOD’S WORD GOD’S WORD

No promise that He will always remove or keep away sources or

causes of anxiety The promise is that He will keep and

see you through harm and hurt You will undergo trials and evil but

with God’s company and protection The suffering is temporary; God’s

care is effective now and eternal

MISREADING OF SCRIPTUREMISREADING OF SCRIPTURE

Whenever men (no matter how well-meaning) do not have proper reading of God’s Word,

the result is unbiblical notions (you-must-enjoy

everything-you-do; if-you-like-it,it-is-God’s-will)

theologically-unsound applications (wealth & health prosperity “gospel”)

which are irresponsible, harmful and downright wrong.

SUFFERING IS COMMONSUFFERING IS COMMON

All humans (including those who profess Christ) suffer the consequences of sin.

This side of heaven, there is no life without the pain and anguish of suffering.

Look no further than the prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Peter

and Paul.

PROPER READING OF PROPER READING OF GOD’S WORD GOD’S WORD

Psalm 55.22,23

  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never

permit the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, wilt cast

them down into the lowest pit; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in

thee.

DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO ROLESROLES

MAN’S PART

To be righteous To cast our burden on the LORD

To trust in the Lord

DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO ROLESROLES

GOD’S PART

He will sustain you He will never permit the

righteous to be moved He will deal with evil &

wickedness (in human or other forms)

DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO ROLESROLES

THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE

We do what we have to do; We do what we have to do; God will do what He will do. God will do what He will do.

We must do what we (ourselves) must do

We must never do what only God (Himself) can and will do

Do your part; leave God to do His Do your part; leave God to do His part.part.

DRAW NEAR TO GODDRAW NEAR TO GOD

Hebrews 7.25

Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God

through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

DRAW NEAR TO GODDRAW NEAR TO GOD

Under the cover and influence of His Presence and Word,

Live simple Live, work and relate smart

Travel light

Let go of non-essentials;Concentrate on what matters.