The Art of Casting Burdens
Feb 18 2025 - Eric Buresh
There are moments in life when the soul is so overwhelmed by the storms of trouble that it longs to escape, to flee from the tumult and find rest in solitude. David, the psalmist of Israel, gives voice to this longing in Psalm 55:6-8: “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” How often have we echoed this sentiment when faced with trials too great for our strength? But running away from our troubles necessarily means we’ve moved ourselves off course. The same psalm that expresses the longing to flee also offers a divinely superior remedy: “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Here, we see a solution that keeps us right where we’re supposed to be.
To learn the art of casting, we must know our hearts and inclinations. David’s words, “Oh that I had wings like a dove!” capture the universal human desire to escape suffering. The imagery of a dove flying to safety evokes a longing for peace and tranquility. The dove seeks a quiet refuge, far from the “windy storm and tempest.” When faced with adversity, we often look for ways to escape. We imagine that if only we could change our circumstances, our troubles would vanish. This desire to run away is not foreign to any of us. Whether it be the pressures of work, family conflicts, health challenges, or spiritual battles, the temptation is to flee. However, the problem with seeking escape is that it does not provide a true solution.
The divine antidote to the impulse to flee is to cast our burdens upon the Lord. To cast our burdens upon the Lord means to take all that weighs us down—our fears, anxieties, and troubles—and place them on His broad shoulders. It is an act of trust, acknowledging that we are not sufficient in ourselves to carry the weight of life’s challenges. Casting our burdens is not a one-time event but a continual practice. Every day, every moment of anxiety is an opportunity to cast our cares onto the shoulders of the One who can bear them.
Practically speaking, prayer is the primary means by which we cast our burdens upon the Lord. In prayer, we articulate our struggles, confess our fears, and express reliance on His strength. The act of pouring out our hearts before Him brings immediate relief, for we know that He hears and cares for us. Sometimes, casting our burdens involves sharing them with fellow believers who can pray for us and support us. The body of Christ is a means through which God provides comfort and encouragement. Then, importantly, we cast our burdens by trusting in His promises, which means believing in faith that He will provide the strength needed for each day and that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
The latter part of verse 22 assures us of God’s sustaining power: “He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Here is the promise that God’s support is unwavering. While the storms of life may rage, those who cast their burdens on the Lord are anchored in His steadfast love. This does not mean that troubles will cease, but that during them, we will be held firm. God’s sustenance ensures that we will not be overwhelmed, for He supplies the strength we lack. The promise is not an absence of storms but the presence of divine support within them.
When we learn the art of casting our burdens upon the Lord, we discover a peace that surpasses understanding. The longing to flee is replaced by the joy of resting in the assurance of His care. Instead of seeking wings to escape, we find wings of faith that lift us above our troubles, enabling us to walk in His strength.