Real Love

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)

            The burdens people bear emerge from a variety of sources, some of them surprising.  For the psalmist it came from the betrayal of a friend.  They had gone to the house of the Lord together.  They had worshiped together.  They had enjoyed close fellowship together.  What happened, we do not know, but whatever it was, it was deeply significant.  In context, it involved “evil and horror,” and it resulted in a relational rift.

            There is probably no greater joy on this earth than the joy of genuine friendship.  The bond of trust creates peace and security.  Since that is true, there is also no greater burden than the betrayal of a friend who was once trusted.  Such burdens can weigh heavily on the heart and hurt deeply.

            We experience burdens from other sources as well, but the truth the Lord wants us to see today is that whatever the source and whatever the burden, we can cast our burdens on Him, and He will sustain us.  Peter reminded his readers to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God so that He might exalt them in due time, “casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

            So, what burden are you carrying today?  Know that you do not have to bear it alone.  You can cast it on the Lord, so He can sustain you.  That’s real love.

Lord, We thank You for your faithful love toward us and Your power to sustain us in the midst of burdens we face.  Your grace is sufficient, and Your strength is enough.  Amen.