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Psalm 55: 22

 PSALM 55:22

"Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."

PSALM 55:22

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

The psalmist is giving an instruction or command to the reader (55:22).

The instruction is to transfer or release one's heavy concerns, troubles, or worries to the Lord (55:22).

A promise is attached to this action: the Lord will sustain or support the person who trusts Him (55:22).

A further assurance is given: God will not allow the righteous person to be overthrown, defeated, or permanently stumble (55:22).

WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS?

a) Historical Context

What kind of "burdens" or heavy troubles was David dealing with when he wrote this Psalm? (The Psalm's superscription often suggests a time of betrayal.)

b) Cultural Context

What does the phrase "cast your burden" imply about the physical action or effort required on the part of the person?

c) Theological Context

How does the promise that God "will take care of you" relate to the larger Old Testament covenant promises of provision and protection?

d) Literary Context

What is the significance of this verse appearing immediately after David expresses profound distress, despair, and betrayal in the preceding verses (Psalm 55:16-21)?

e) Life Application

If God promises that the "godly" will not slip, what must I do to ensure I am counted among the "godly" who receive this promise?

WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN?

a) Understanding the propositions made in the text

The text proposes that relief from life's overwhelming pressures is found not in self-reliance, but in deliberately choosing to transfer those pressures onto God. It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship: we give the burden, and God provides the sustaining care. The stability and security of the righteous individual are secured not by their own strength, but by God’s continuous, protective action.

b) What the text means provide answers for the questions in the "What questions do I have about what it says?"

The "burdens" David carried likely included betrayal by a close friend or counselor (as suggested by the context of Psalm 55) and the emotional distress of flight and potential loss of the kingdom, reminding us that even great leaders face overwhelming stress. The phrase "cast your burden" implies a conscious, intentional effort, like physically throwing off a heavy weight, signifying an act of will and trust. The promise that God "will take care of you" is rooted in His covenant faithfulness to sustain the life and righteousness of those who obey and trust Him. The verse appears after intense pain to offer hope; it is the climax where David moves from despair to trust, modeling how we should conclude our own prayers of lament. To be counted among the "godly" means living in a way that honors God, which the rest of Scripture makes clear is through faith, repentance, and obedience to His Word.

HOW DOES THE TEXT APPLY TO ME?

This verse encourages me to immediately transfer the weight of my anxiety and control over to God. I often carry my own fears—my financial worries, my doubts about the future, or my concerns for my loved ones—as if I have the power to solve them. Psalm 55:22 calls me to radical dependence, reminding me that the Lord is the only one truly capable of sustaining me without fail. It challenges me to make casting my cares a daily, ongoing habit, trusting that His promised stability is far superior to my shaky attempts at self-control. This act of surrender is how I grow in my relationship with God, confirming that my faith is in His power, not my own.

PRAYER/RESPONSE

God, I confess that my worries feel like a heavy, concrete backpack I refuse to take off. I carry doubts about my worthiness and fears about my future, believing that if I stop worrying, I stop caring. I cast these burdens—the heavy weight of my debts, my uncertainties about my career, and the pain of past failures—onto You now. Though I feel unstable and prone to slip, I surrender my anxiety and claim Your promise: take care of me, and do not let me fall. I trust in Your unwavering faithfulness for my future.

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