Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous
to be moved. Psalms 55:22 (KJV).

REFLECT:
Overcoming the weight of weariness and heaviness! This statement is easier said than done especially, in such times of uncertainty in which we live. It looks as though things or situations are getting worse by the day and good news is becoming a very scarce commodity.

However, in all these God’s word still stands true, because as children of God, our Bible tells us that we are ‘overcomers and more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), which means that when things get tough, God expects us to rise to the challenge, stand for the truth of God’s Word and by so doing, dig in our heels, stand our ground.

If we don’t do this, how then can we expect to be the light of the world? Also, how can we expect God’s Glory to effectively arise upon and from within us? So how can we stand up and become the overcomers and not the overwhelmed or those who are more than conquerors and not the timid and conquered ones?

Our Bible verse for today tells us how to get on track with this. So what can we glean from today’s Bible verse? The following are brief points to take away with us:

First, we must steadfastly trust in God’s promises. Such as i. He is always with us; ii. He will never leave nor forsake us; iii. He will always make a way for us; iv. He will continue to provide for us etc. There are tons of promises that God has for us in the Bible. These promises will strengthen us in our hour of need, so dig into the Word of God.

Next is to make it a point or habit to always cast or give all our fears, worries doubts and anxieties, burdens to the Lord, just as our Bible verse for today admonishes. The Lord does not intend for us to walk around carrying diverse cares and burdens on us. That is why He gave us His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit is our burden bearer, our problem solver. Mathew 11: 28- 29.

When we give our burdens to God, we should believe and trust that He will come through for us. We should also prepare ourselves to receive what we have petitioned or requested. For our God is a God who always answers. All we need to do is stand by faith, knowing that He has not only answered but that He has done it.

Most times an immediate response or confirmation to our petitions may come to us by way of receiving strength, comfort, assurance, joy, peace, etc. These are ways the Holy Spirit strengthens and comforts our hearts, letting us know that the Lord is doing a good job and working on our behalf.

Therefore, we must be sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit in us and around us. We must keep our spiritual ears tuned in to listen to the voice of God’s Spirit to give us the strategies we need. He will direct us on what to do, how to do what is needed to be done and when to do what we need to do etc.

The next step is for us to obey every instruction God gives as best as possible. Unfortunately, this is the point that most of us usually miss, the obedience part of the deal. The reasons being that at this point some of us become less focused and get distracted, we may become weary or discouraged from waiting, we may allow old habits to creep in and we succumb to them, and accusations from the enemy arise to make us feel guilty and unworthy to go further with the process. Therefore, the next point is very crucial at this stage.

Which is to constantly stand in the place of repentance, if we have missed the mark and then continue in thanksgiving, praise, and worship to God with wrapped anticipation. We thank Him ahead of time for what He has promised. The act of thanksgiving, praise, and worship is a strategy that keeps our hope alive as we wait on the Lord for what He has promised. It is also a weapon that weakens the hold and devices of the enemy.

Finally, after doing all to stand, stand watching to see how God comes through for us in our situation(s) and as He works to establish us and makes us unshakable. For He who has promised is faithful to the end(Hebrews 10:23 paraphrased) and like our verse of the day proclaims, He will never allow the righteous to be moved!

When we give our every moment, our situations, and circumstances to God our Heavenly Father, He works through our steadfast obedience to His instructions to strongly and firmly establish us in the ways He has charted for us.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer for Moments When I Feel Burdened.

FATHER GOD, thank You for caring for me. You know all my troubles, and You promise that they will not overtake me. Please help me to continue to look at You when I am burdened. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.