Verse 22 of Psalm 55 is well known. It says, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you.” It’s well known because Peter quoted it. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Earl Stanley Jones was a missionary to India. His career was nearly cut short by chronic worry. When he had first arrived in India, Jones wore himself out, working and worrying. “I was suffering so severely from brain fatigue and nervous exhaustion,” he later wrote, “that I collapsed, not once but several times.” Aboard the ship returning to America, he collapsed again and the doctor put him to bed. After a year’s rest, he attempted to return to India, but became a bundle of nerves on the return trip and arrived in Bombay a broken man. His colleagues warned him that any attempt to continue ministering in such a state of anxious care would be fatal.
While praying one night, groping in emotional darkness, Jones seemed to hear a Voice ask him, “Are you yourself ready for this work to which I have called you?” “No, Lord,” replied Jones. “I am done for. I have reached the end of my resources.” “If you will turn that over to Me and not worry about it,” the Voice seemed to say, “I will take care of it.” Jones answered, “Lord, I close the bargain right here.”
A great sense of peace closed in over Stanley Jones, a rush of abundant life that seemed to sweep him off his feet. His energy returned, his enthusiasm bubbled over, and he plunged back into his work with a vitality he had never before known. Jones went on to spend a lifetime of ministry in India, writing numerous books, and ministering to multitudes around the world. He later wrote, “This one thing I know: my life was completely transformed and uplifted that night … when at the depth of my weakness and depression, a voice told me that if I gave this all to God, he’d take care of me. “I closed that bargain” Stanley said. And God has never failed him.
Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you…Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (Psalm 55:22 & 1 Peter 5:7, NKJV). Maybe it’s time to seal the bargain ourselves.
Chuck
“As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory.” (Psalm 48:10)