Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalms 55:22
This beloved verse invites personal trust in God: “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” It sits within a lament of oppression, offering a practical action—release your heavy load to God. The image of burden-casting indicates surrender, dependence, and an active choice to relinquish anxiety to divine care. The promise of sustenance and stability for the righteous emphasizes God’s faithful provision and protection. In the historical setting, the righteous person endures trials, but God’s support preserves them from collapse under pressure. The psalmist’s confidence that God will sustain and not let the righteous be moved reassures those who feel overwhelmed.
The verse expresses core biblical anthropology: humans carry burdens, and God provides sustenance. It foregrounds God’s sustaining power as a divine attribute and promise. The phrase “shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” signals enduring stability rooted in God’s faithfulness, not human strength. It also connects to the broader biblical ethic of prayerful dependence, trust in God’s timing, and faithful endurance through hardship. Theologically, it reinforces that righteousness is not merely moral behavior but trust in God’s governance and benevolent care.
In daily life, practice practical release: identify a burden—financial worry, health anxiety, relationship conflict—and deliberately place it before God in prayer, then act with wisdom. For example, if debt looms, make a budget and seek counsel, then trust God to provide. If you’re facing criticism or instability, memorize this promise and let it shape your resilience. Consider sharing burdens with a trusted friend or counselor to avoid carrying them alone. This verse also invites community support—churches or families bearing one another’s burdens through prayer and practical help. The bottom line: rely on God’s sustaining power, not solely on your own strength.
Cross-References: Psalm 4:8; Psalm 18:2; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 46:1