IT MATTERS TO GOD

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

 

IT MATTERS TO GOD

 

Ps 55:22

22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

 

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

          The New Testament church had an Old Testament Bible! Peter quotes from his Bible and reminds us that God cares for us. His focus was on the Psalms where the “thy burden” is the Hebrew for “what is given.” The idea is that God has given to us, or upon us, a situation that is heavy. It is our lot. It settles upon our spirit and slows our steps. Sometimes it brings us to tears.

         

          The Hebrew word for “sustain” indicates a supply equal to every need. It means “to maintain.” It means fuel when needed and repairs if necessary! The word “cast” is different in Psalm 55 than in First Peter. In Hebrew it means “to throw down” while in Greek it means “to cast upon.” In either case it means relief and companionship with One who is more able to carry the load.

 

          Peter adds an explanation and a motivation for casting down or casting our cares upon the Lord. It is a sublime but simple truth. He cares for us. Literally, it matters to Him. The story of the Good Samaritan first introduced those who chose not to shoulder the burden of the wounded traveler. Finally, there was one who made the suffering of another his own business and incurred a debt that was not his until he chose it. Suddenly, it mattered to him.

 

Dear Lord, the world is full of immeasurable burdens and even unspeakable horrors. We are wounded by them. Thank you for not passing us by on the other side. Thank you for caring for us. AMEN