The Daily Devotional
Thursday, August 22, 2024
On God’s Plate
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
Introduction
Amid the clamor of life's struggles, Psalm 55:22 invites us to cast our burdens on the Lord, promising that He will sustain us. This devotional explores how one mother’s journey with her daughter’s mental health challenges led her to a profound practice of trust and self-care, illuminating a path we can all follow when our own burdens feel too heavy to bear.
Reflection
The Psalmist’s words in Psalm 55:22, "Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved," serve as a beacon of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s storms. Consider the story of a mother, Emma, who spent years navigating the tumultuous waters of the healthcare system to secure the best possible care for her daughter, Mia, who battled severe mental health issues.
The emotional rollercoaster of Mia’s extreme highs and devastating lows took a significant toll on Emma. She found herself weighed down by an immense burden, one that seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. It was not just the practicalities of appointments and treatments that wore her down, but the heartache of watching her daughter struggle so profoundly.
At a point of near desperation, a friend suggested Emma try a simple yet profound ritual: writing down her worries and things beyond her control and placing them on “God’s plate” by her bedside. This physical act of surrender became a daily ritual for Emma, a visual and spiritual reminder that these burdens were transferred to one who could truly bear them—God.
Imagine a small, humble plate sitting on a bedside table, covered in pieces of paper filled with written worries and prayers. Each piece represents a profound act of faith—a mother’s decision to entrust her daughter’s well-being and her own peace of mind to God. This image serves as a poignant reminder that when we let go and allow God to take over, we are not giving up; we are stepping into the true strength that comes from surrender.
Application
How might we adopt Emma’s practice in our own lives? Start by identifying the burdens that you are carrying unnecessarily—the worries that keep you up at night or the anxieties that shadow your days. Write them down, one by one, and find your own “God’s plate” where you can leave them. This act isn’t about ignoring your problems but acknowledging that some situations are beyond your control and God’s shoulders are broad enough to bear them.
Conclusion
Emma’s story teaches us that letting go does not mean losing control; it means gaining a partner in our struggles. Her practice of placing her deepest concerns on God’s plate does not solve every problem. Still, it does offer the peace and sustenance promised in Psalm 55:22. It is a testament to the sustaining power of faith, a reminder that we are not alone in our battles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, carrying burdens that often overwhelm us. Teach us to cast these burdens onto You, just as Emma learned to leave her worries on Your plate. Help us to trust that You are always with us, sustaining us and providing for us in ways we might not even understand. Grant us the peace that comes from knowing our cares are in Your capable hands. Thank You for Your unending love and strength. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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