God’s Care
Today, I joined the Timberline Prime-Time group at the Capitol in Denver for a tour. Thanks to John Wallin, Chief House Sargent for getting our group access to the front of the House floor, that is normally restricted to elected officials. Later in the day I visited my mother who had cataract surgery today. She seems to be doing well and is looking forward to having better vision.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.“ Psalm 55:22 NLT
This well-known verse is at the end of a psalm where David pours out his heart about the dangers from enemies outside of the walls and the dangers from moral decay inside the walls. He has been betrayed by those closest to him. In the case of Absalom’s rebellion it was his very son.
In the midst of “fears without and within” David learned the key to peace and confidence, it was found in surrendering his “burdens” to the Lord. The circumstances David was facing was beyond his control. He could be overwhelmed by worry, but instead his confidence was placed in God’s care.
What he experienced, he challenged others to do as well. What “gets you down?” What is the source of trouble or anxiety in your life? You can experience the peace and calm that comes from surrendering those cares, those burdens to the Lord, confident of His care. David underscores the Lord’s faithfulness in saying, “He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
Giving our burdens to the Lord is not a “faith fall” where we hope the Lord is there to catch us. It is instead placing ourselves on a solid rock, knowing the Lord is faithful. He won’t grab our burdens from us, but is standing ready to accept them and help us as we “give them” to Him and trust in Him
Finally, it is interesting the parallels between the Old Testament and the New. Peter was one who knew troubles and failures. But he would write, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT) The context Peter is addressing is the need to be on guard against our spiritual enemy, Satan. But once again, we see safety and confidence is found when we “humble ourselves before the Lord” and draw near to Him. (1 Peter 5:6 NLT)
When difficulties come, it is not the time to hold on and show how “tough” we are, but to trust the Lord to handle what is beyond us.
Prayer for today… “Lord, thank You for Your care and protection. Help us to quickly give our burdens and anxiety to You and freely experience the peace and confidence that You alone can provide.”