New: 23 May 2025; Update: 13 June 2025
Casting Your Burdens
on the Lord
Psalm 55
Cast your burden on the LORD,
and He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous
to be moved.
Psalms 55:22 NKJV
Handling Suffering
Suffering is part of life—it's a reality we can't escape. But we can learn how to handle suffering in the best way possible. Suffering makes us or breaks us. There are different ways to handle suffering and we need the wisdom to do so. James encourages us to ask wisdom from God—the omnipotent One—to handle the trials and challenges of life in the right way, with the positive outcome of maturity and completeness (James 1:2-5, 12; see D15), if we do so. Paul knew persecution and hardship, yet was victorious by God's grace and strength (see D13). Peter showed how we can handle suffering by following Christ's example in suffering (see D14).
Numerous ancient sages and philosophers—Chinese, Indian, Hebrew, Greek, and others—have reflected on suffering and how to handle it. Abrahamic and Eastern religions have wrestled with the problem of evil and suffering for millennia (see A10). Modern-day psychologists like Viktor E. Frankl and Jordan B. Peterson have provided convincing solutions and practical strategies to handle suffering. They were both tested, one in the fires of the Nazi concentration camps (Frankl) and the other in the fires of cancel culture, academic slander and cheap gossip (Peterson). Their philosophies have withstood the tests. We are wise to learn from them.
The Biblical psalmist is one of the ancient Hebrew prophets who reflected on suffering and betrayal. Life is real; life can be tough and painful. Yet hope is real, too. And so are the biblical solutions for handling suffering! Psalm 55 is a contemplation accompanied by music 'to sweeten the deal,' to put it in modern business language. Even though life is much more than a business deal, that point is that music can help. Music can certainly help to turn the bitter into a sweet. Music has a positive effect on us. David combined prayer with music. Sometimes, a great song with good lyrics can have a profound impact on us. The biblical psalms left us the words, but not the music. Perhaps it is in order, as many did and still do, to put our own music to the biblical words. Above all, we need to praise God!
Turning to God in Prayer
In his restlessness over suffering, the psalmist turned to God in prayer (Psalm 55:1-2). Oppression by enemies and the trouble they bring down on us through their wrath (v 3) are tough experiences. David had his fair share of such persecution and attacks. His reflections are very insightful to teach us how to handle suffering. David's first response to suffering was prayer to God. He brought his 'supplication' and 'complaint' in much restlessness and discomfort to the God who hears prayer and can do something about a situation. David's heart was 'severely pained' (v 4). He was fearful and terrified (v 5). These are difficult emotional and mental challenges we face at the hands of those who hate us and wish to inflict harm on us. The psalmist's initial desire was to escape—like a bird, just to fly away to a calm place, away from all the storms of life (vv 6-8). The 'escape strategy' is understandable; haven't we all tried it? But is it a solution? Is it even possible?
In today's world with aeroplanes, it is possible to fly to a nice place and just get away from it all. Such a 'time out' can be a period of refreshing and renewal so that we can return to the place of conflict or trial and 'fight the good fight of faith.' What we can't do, is just 'abandon ship' and give up on life. Escapism in terms of not wanting to confront reality is not recommendable. Yet there is wisdom in getting out of toxic relationships and environments that are harmful to us, especially when no solutions can be negotiated or found. The moment Saul threw a spear at David, he removed himself from danger. He didn't change his attitude and lost respect for the king, yet he wouldn't subjugate himself to life-threatening situations. He wouldn't revenge or do evil in return, yet he guarded himself and walked wisely. The wisdom to know when to stay and when to leave is crucial. The psalmist did it by prayer. And so should we. But there are realities we will have to face and be strong in doing so. The psalmist had to face certain challenges, despite his desire to fly away like a bird. He learned, that the best strategy is not to escape, but to cast his burdens on the God who sustains and cares for him! God is with us in the battles to strengthen and guide us. Do not fear! Approach suffering with dignity and handle trials with wisdom. God will sustain us.
Handling Betrayal
One of the worst types of suffering is probably betrayal. David was burdened by the 'violence and strife' around him that brought great suffering on the people. Iniquity and troubles was a menace day and night. Oppression and destruction was all around and ever present (vv 9-11). Sensitive people struggle to see others suffering. It is a burden to them. Good people want others to be well; seeing the pain of sinful deeds is hard to bear. Yet these, too, are realities of life. It is important that we keep our trust in the righteous God and remain in moral clarity when these things are taking place. Becoming burdened and negative is a dangerous route to take. We can cast our burdens on the Lord and receive His sustaining power.
David suffered betrayal. He wasn't betrayed, however, by an enemy who hated him, but by a companion whom he trusted (vv 12-13). Being betrayed by an aggressive enemy or jealous hater is one thing; that's what we would expect from such a person. But being betrayed by someone you trust, someone you, perhaps, helped and supported, is a different category of betrayal, because it is not what we would expect of a companion. When you can prepare for a difficult challenge or painful situation ahead, it is easier to handle than a sudden attack or unexpected pain, especially by those you trust. Those who can adjust to a situation that has changed for the worse, can better handle that type of suffering. David was betrayed by a trusted person, a fellow worshipper and advisor (v 14). He spared no feelings in expressing how that felt (v 15). However, he did not allow that betrayal to allow the worst to come out of him. There is a better way to handle betrayal, than to become bitter and revengeful.
As for me, I will call upon God,
And the LORD shall save me.
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:16-17 NKJV
Consistent Prayer to God
Consistent prayer is a powerful method and strategy to handle suffering: we turn to the One who hears us and can intervene on our behalf. The psalmist trusted God to set things right, to establish justice and vindicate the innocent by consistent prayer (Psalm 55:16-17). 'As for me,' is an expression of a strategy we choose to respond to our circumstances. We can become resentful and angry, or we can choose to trust God and keep our peace by prayer in the midst of a battle (v 18). God would hear the righteous and deal with the wicked who refuse to change their ways (v 19). They might speak nice words, yet the true motives of their hearts would be exposed as evil (vv 20-21). The psalmist would not be overcome by evil but overcame evil by doing good by his consistent prayer—morning, noon, evening, and at night, when necessary. Being in consistent prayer to God keeps our hearts free of bitterness, our minds free of worries and our actions free of revenge. During trials and suffering we must be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer (see Romans 12:12). This is the way to stay away from vengeful hatred and evil deeds; it allows God to handle the situation (vv 14-20). It is the biblical strategy to not be overcome by evil but overcome evil by doing good (v 21). We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and be devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2). Consistent prayer is the way to 'cast your burden on the LORD' with His sustaining power keeping you unmoved and unshaken (Psalm 55:22). It is the way for us to be at peace and gain strength and for God to bring about justice without us trying to do so by revenge—the psalmist would trust God (v 23). As we bring our supplication before God, His peace can keep and guard us (Philippians 4:6-7). Those whose minds are steadfast on God will remain in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Instead of escaping like a bird, we can stand strong as we cast our burdens on the One who sustains and strengthens us.
Humility and Honour
In the New Testament, both Peter and James encourage and instruct us to be humble in a trustful way towards God. Peter used similar words to those of David (Psalm 55:22) when he wrote that we are to cast our care (NKJV) or anxiety (NIV) on the Lord because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). God is not indifferent to our suffering or the injustice forced on innocent people. In context, casting our burdens on the Lord is to humble ourselves under 'God's mighty hand,' and trust Him to lift us up at the right time and in the right way (v 6). Humility is the way to depend on God and His strength, rather than trying to endure pain alone or fix problems without God. We are wise to be humble, for God gives grace (NKJV) and favour (NIV) to the humble, but opposes or resists the proud (v 5). Humility is not weakness; it is a place of trust in God and gaining strength in patience from the Almighty. Depending on God in humility keeps us strong and sane while we wait on Him to set things right. In this process, we are to be alert, watchful and sober as the spiritual warfare, which expresses itself in life, is real (v 8). The suffering we are experiencing are not unique to us; many suffer, but by faith in God and a hope of eternal life suffering becomes bearable (vv 9-11). We can comfort one another as we understand what others go through. God will give honour to the humble (Proverbs 16:18; 18:12) and the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5; Psalm 37; see E2). We are to cast our burdens, fears and worries on the One who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) and sustains us (Psalm 55:22). God's grace is sufficient. We can have peace in God even while our problems are not yet solved. His peace transcends all human understanding or lack of it. Prayer is the key to peace of mind (Philippians 4:6-7).
That grace that God gives to the humble, according to James, is in submission to God and brings forth the power to resist the devil and the evil that comes against us (James 4:6-7). We are to draw near to God and cleanse our hearts if there is anything wrong inside of us (vv 8-9). The humility before God will result in strength to endure and in an exaltation at the right time in the right way—God's time and God's way (v 10). He will lift us out of our misery! Truly humble people won't judge others but live in humility under God's authority and in God's plans (vv 11-16). They do all the good they could possibly do and know of, and refuse to participate in known evil (v 17). They know that 'the Judge is at the door' (5:9). They will endure suffering like the ancient prophets or people like Job, trusting God that all will be well at the end (vv 10-11).
Humility is also learning the ways of Christ. We are to have the same attitude as He had: He humbled Himself and was exalted by God (Philippians 2:5-11). He invites us to come to Him when we are burdened and heavy-laden (Mathew 11:28-30). We are to learn from the One who is humble, meek and compassionate. His yoke is easy and His burden light. The imagery here is the yoke placed on oxen who pull a plow or carriage. The beast of burden is not alone; the yoke is for two oxen. We are not alone int he trials of life: God is with us! As we go through life and carry burdens, we can learn the best way of how to carry a burden. Remember, it's not the burden, but the way you carry it! We can learn the 'good old ways,' from those who have gone before us (Jeremiah 6:16). This is the way to find rest for our souls and peace of mind.
God is faithful. Trust Him and cast your burdens on Him so you can be at peace, overcome all fear and live life in the best possible way. With the right attitude ad strategy I life, even suffering ism bearable. Challenges will make us, not break us. We can become better, not bitter.