BURDEN BEARING

MARCH 18

Psalm 55

Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”

In Psalm 55, David, surrounded by animosity from both his foes and even his friends, pours out his heart before the Lord. Overcome with anguish and terror, he longs for an escape from his troubles (Psalm 55:4-8). David prays for justice (Psalm 55:9-15) and, despite his distress, reassures himself of God’s deliverance (Psalm 55:16-21). Confident in God’s ability to sustain him, he calls on us to “cast (our) burden on the Lord” (Psalm 55:22).

J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings speaks to a similar theme of carrying burdens. Frodo Baggins bears an overwhelming burden, both physically and mentally, as he carries the Ring. The weight of this task, coupled with the pressure and corruption it brings, becomes too much for him at times. In these moments, Frodo’s loyal companion, Samwise Gamgee, steps in to bear the load when Frodo is near breaking. One of the most memorable moments occurs in The Return of the King, when Sam says to Frodo: “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” In this act of selfless support, Sam helps Frodo carry his burden when the journey seems impossible.  God can do that for us.

We all have our burdens—troubles and fears that feel too heavy to bear. In those moments, we face a choice: either collapse under the weight or cast our burdens upon the Lord. There is no trouble too great for the One who died for our sins and rose from the dead. He understands what we are going through, He cares deeply, and He can intervene in ways we can’t even imagine. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to “cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you.”

“I cast all my cares upon you. I lay all of my burdens down at your feet.  And any time I don’t know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon you! — Songwriters: Shane Barnard, Kelly Faye Willard

Application Questions: How prone are you to carry your own burden when it comes to the troubles you face?  What situation can you even now unburden yourself to God through prayer?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry Conklin, born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, served six years in the US Navy Submarine service. After earning a degree in Nuclear Technology, he worked at Trojan Nuclear Plant as a reactor operator. In 1990, after earning a Masters Degree in Theology, he became the senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria for 27 years, also serving as a fire department chaplain and making nine trips to Uganda for ministry work. After his wife’s cancer diagnosis, they moved to Heppner. Since 2021, he has served as the part-time hospice chaplain for Pioneer Hospice. In 2023 he helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter (SMCSM) and now serves at the board chairman. In February 2025 Jerry was honored as Heppner’s Man of the Year. In March 2025 Jerry was honored by US Senator Jeff Merkley for his work with SMCSM. Jerry and Laura have four children and three grandchildren.

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