Cast Your Cares
While reading Psalm 55, I was reminded of a surprise visitor that ended up on my doorstep several days in a row.
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22 NIV
One morning, back in 1986, I heard someone tapping on the kitchen window of the beach house my husband and I rented in Waglisla (aka Bella Bella). I gasped and then stepped toward the sound. A flash of shimmering blue feathers caught my eye as a Steller’s jay took off. Soon the bird returned, tapped on my window, and squawked until I threw him some bits of bread.
I laughed and said something like, “You’d sound prettier if you sang instead of complained.”
But I had to admit the bird’s persistence was profitable in attaining his daily sustenance.
In Psalm 55, David, beset by enemies, called out for God’s help. He described his suffering, and pleaded for God to take down his foes.
David demonstrates a healthy response to persecution:
- He cast his cares on God
- Proclaimed trust in Him.
- He didn’t minimize his anguish.
- Or take vengeance with his own hands.
- He bared his soul because he trusted in the Lord’s righteous hand.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you,
so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
David’s intimate relationship with God demonstrates what’s available to us through Jesus Christ. When we cast our complaints and needs before Him, He listens to them as though we’re singing, because He’s delighted when we find refuge under His wings.
So let’s be bold–like the Steller’s jay–and ask God to supply all of our needs.
Thought for today: We are invited to share our hearts with the same God whom the Psalmist relied upon.
Prayer: Help us, dear Father, not to dismiss our hunger for Your help; may we cast our cares on You and sing songs while we wait and work for our daily bread. May all believers experiencing persecution and famine cast their cares on You, dear Father. And may we give what You have asked us to share.
hungry visitor
dressed in iridescent blue
a Steller’s jay calls
~ wlm
Beggar of Bread Blessings ~ Wendy
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Psalm 145:16 NIV
I’m nosy-to-know about a time nature reminded you to cast your burdens on God.
If you’re curious what motivates us to worship God, click here and read my guest post on Heart”Wings”: Motivation to Worship God
If the title–Weapons of Mass Distraction–grabs your attention, listen to my 78th podcast on HopeStreamRadio: Walking With Hope
In case you missed it, here’s my post about Praying Parents. It was one I needed to pull on my brave-girl-pants before I could push the publish button. But I’m so glad I did.
Good word, Wendy!!
Thank you, Jeff. 🙂
Thanks, Wendy, for your wonderful photos and your meaningful message. Blessings.
Thank you, Sharon. 🙂 Creation overflows with His meaningful messages.
Lovely–prose and Jay!
Thank you, dear Patti. 🙂
Oh I just can’t think of any cool nature stories to,share your theme! But yours was perfect for me and just the reminder I needed to never stop casting my cares on Him . . .or to think they are too small, or too big for Him! Thank you Wendy! Blessings and joys!
Debbie, I’m comforted by your words: “… never… think they are too small, or too big for Him!” Amen, dear sister. Your post for Sunday is a perfect example of creation preaching the Word by example. 🍃🌸🍃
Love this! My favorite part was when you said, “You’d sound prettier if you sang instead of complained.” How true is that! Lovely pictures and great message!
Thank you, dear Becky. I remember talking to that jay like it was yesterday. I had no idea I would one day write a devotional post regarding it. May our words–and the tone of them–be lovely to God’s ears. <3
Wendy, I love the story of the jay pecking at your window. The bluejays at my house are not shy about sharing their demands either. They make me smile when their feeder is empty and they bob their heads up and down hollering about it. Your illustration of the jays and of David reminds me to not be shy about casting all cares on Him. Whether he hears singing or hollering, it’s good to know he’s most likely smiling. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!
Thank you, dear Jamie. It was my first encounter with a Steller’s jay. We didn’t have them in my hometown. I love David’s honest conversations with the Father; they give us permission to speak respectfully from our heart to God’s heart. <3
Reblogged this on Debbie Erickson……….Author and commented:
How inspirational!
Thank you for the reblog, dear Debbie. 🙂
Wendy, I have two blog sites, and it went up on the wrong site. I’m so sorry. I’ll have to move it to the other site.
No problem, I’m honored either way. Post the link here so I can visit you back, dear Debbie. <3
I am so thankful I read this. Thank you for sharing it. <3
Thank you, dear Theresa. <3 This post was shortlisted for The Upper Room devotional magazine but didn't make the final cut, so I shared it here because I appreciate David's example of being real with the Lord.
I can't wait to share the link to the one that did make the final cut. I'll post the link when it's published in May. 🙂