Each week, we present words of reflection from one of our partners in the form of a devotional. This week’s devotional was written by Norma Scott.The Word:
“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 (NASB)
The Story:
Several years ago, I went through one of the worst experiences of my life. Afterwards, all I felt was anger, hurt, resentment, and the incredibly strong yearning to get back at those who had hurt me. Daily I cried, daily I prayed, but nothing seemed to help. I discussed it with my loved ones, but there were no words that could comfort me. Eventually, I was overcome by extreme sadness because I was becoming resigned to the fact that I would never be the same again – this thing had changed me. I became suspicious, judgmental, guarded and mistrusting. I couldn’t see my way out. I needed a light – something that would help me find the path out of this darkness. One day, I accidentally ended up listening to a series on grieving. The speaker was talking about the gift of forgiveness. I hadn’t fathomed that I could ever get to a place of even contemplating forgiveness. I thought it was impossible because I was so hurt and angry, and thought I could never trust again. As I listened, I realized that I wanted the hurt to go away more than anything. I wanted to be free, so I turned to the Bible. The Word of God never disappoints. Verse after verse, the scales began to fall off of my heart and I could do nothing but surrender to the peace that God began to lavish over me. I got to the point where nothing became more important to me than to feel God’s love and joy in my heart. Hurt was replaced by peace, betrayal replaced by love, resentment replaced by joy. All of a sudden, forgiveness became the only thing I could do. God helped me to forgive, and took away the heaviness of that burden.
The Reflection:
What burdens are we carrying that we have yet to give over to the Lord? What is keeping us from fully allowing the Lord to take care of our hearts? What steps can we take to allow Jesus to handle our burdens and disappointments? Once we give our painful situations to the Lord, we can then experience, firsthand, the power of trusting God’s Word, and His faithfulness to us.
The Application:
When we decide in our hearts to turn everything over to God, He will, in fact, take care of us. He makes all things new. This week, think about a situation that’s been burdening you. Choose to give it completely to the Lord and walk in the peace of the freedom.
The Prayer:
Father, Your Word is the truth that sets us free. We so appreciate You caring for us. Thank you for helping us understand that when we truly trust your Word by simply doing what you ask, You come always through. You never fail. Amen.
