September 8, 2021

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is mine.” – Psalm 50:12

Yesterday I drove up to Colorado Springs to pick up my grandfather. He was getting discharged from the hospital after having a stroke two weeks ago. He is doing well and recovering very rapidly, but on the drive home we talked about the things that he wouldn’t be able to do for a while. As we discussed his limitations, we both confessed what a difficult time we have asking for help. This might simply be male pride, but I think a lot of it has to do with our years in the pastorate. After walking with so many people through so many incredibly difficult times in their lives, we can easily think, “other people have so many problems that they are dealing with, I don’t want to bother them with mine.”

This morning in my devotion time, Psalm 50 spoke to me. Over the years I have probably read this Psalm a hundred times, but after yesterday’s conversation with my grandfather, I saw v.12 in a whole new light. If God were hungry, it would not be my concern. God is never in need because the fullness of the earth belongs to him. God is never hungry. He has no limitations. He needs no help from me. When I bring my struggles to the Lord, I am not piling problems on top of the problems he already has. I am bringing them to the One who can shoulder every one of my burdens without being weighed down by any of his own. You may, like me, have trouble asking for help from others. But never project this on to God. Cast all your cares on him!

God, today I am struggling. Today I have worries and hurts. Today I have problems that I need someone else to carry for me. Father, help me. Father, take my troubles and bear my burdens.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon