By Rick Hughes
It is encouraging to know someone is concerned about the same things that concern you. The challenges and issues of life we face can result in a heavy burden on our minds. Sadly, we often feel as though we are carrying the “weight of the world on our shoulders” and no one else is concerned or seems to care.
The Psalmist David in the 138th Psalm writes of crying to the Lord and of the Lord answering him. He goes on to write of how the Lord has respect even unto the lowly, and then describes walking in the mist of trouble and the Lord reviving him. Finally he boldly declares how God stretches forth His hand against the wrath of his enemies. David was faced with a multitude of troubles and the fierce wrath of his enemies and this was both concerning him and disconcerting to him!
David then concludes this Psalm with the great promise of Psalm 138:8: “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me:…” WOW! In other words, God will perfect whatever concerns me. The issues and challenges, the troubles and enemies. Yes, God will handle it, deal with it, provide a solution, and will perform his purpose in the situation. I am not alone in my concerns: God is as concerned (and even more) than I am. Those issues that trouble me, worry me, bother me, burden me, those are also on God’s mind as well:
How encouraging it is to know God is concerned with what concerns you and me. He loves us so much that if it matters to you it matters to Him. This promise is great comfort and encouragement because it illustrates that we are not facing anything alone: God is right beside us.
Several other promises support David’s conclusion about God’s concern. Hebrew 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The Word discerns what is in our hearts and minds. Matthew 6:8 “…For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” God already knows what is troubling our mind even before we ask.
What concerns you today? What is heavy on your heart? Perhaps family challenges, job issues, financial pressures, health worries, spiritual battles? What is troubling you and stealing your peace and sleep? Are you concerned and burdened about your community, your state, your country, and the world at large? There is certainly no shortage of issues that cause great concern.
The Bible instructs us to ‘cast’ these concerns on the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 challenges us “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” David directs in Psalm 55:22 “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
We must cast our concerns on the Lord, He has promised to handle those matters that concern us! Commit what concerns you to the Lord today, and He will perfect it!
