Unity of Delray Beach: A Message from Rev. Nancy Norman

Casting the Burden

By the Reverend Nancy Norman

In the years of being a Truth student, several Bible passages have continually brought me great comfort. When circumstances seemed overwhelming and simply too much for me to handle, I would open my Bible to Proverbs 3:5-6 to be reminded that I was not alone, that the ever-loving, caring God was with me in every moment of the day or night. I could lean on Him, resting and trusting Him to make my paths straight by guiding and protecting me. Proverbs 3:5-6 gave me the assurance that all was well, that He would see me through every upheaval or disappointment.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Make my paths straight.” Even when they appeared to be crooked and steep, my God was with me, going before me, surrounding me with His love and wisdom, and making the crooked paths straight. What great comfort that Bible passage has brought me!

The other Bible verse that made a vast impression on me is Psalm 55:32. Psalms is known as a book of hymns and worship. A large part of the book is composed of prayers for help called laments. These prayers were for both the individual and the community. Laments or prayers

for help were used in situations of severe distress. Their focus was both a plea for help, and relief from the distress the psalmist was experiencing. The prayers not only asked for help nor simply told God how the psalmist felt, but also expressed the psalmist’s confidence and trust in God’s power and willingness to help. Often in the conversation, the psalmist would also offer reasons why God should help. These reasons usually had to do with the character and goodness of God, not the individual who sought comfort.

“Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you.” Psalm 55:32 We cast the burden by lifting it in consciousness to God where it is made light and all concern or attachment to the encumbrance are dissolved into nothingness. God is our help in all times of need. The Bible tells us that the battle is God’s – not our own. Our role is to trust, have faith, and see the goodness of God become manifest in our lives.

We all have had burdens at some time in our lives. The key is how we handle them. I know of one woman who had her own unique way of casting the burden. She is a woman of great faith and trust who understood she had been given power and dominion. She recognized the power of the spoken word to cast the burden on the Lord. She would hold up her hands and say, “Glory to God: I got bills. They are your bills, God. Pay them.” And she said, “He always does. He always gives me a good job, and I am always well taken care of.” If she wasn’t feeling well, she would just say, “Glory to God: this is your body, God. You put it here. You take care of it.” She then would say, “Look at this body; it is healthy and mighty.”

We can “cast the burden” in many ways for all areas of our lives. I believe that burden occurs through a belief in lack and limitation.

Instead, we might affirm one of the following:

Prosperity

I cast this burden of lack and limitation on the Lord, and I go free to have plenty and prosper beyond my wildest dreams.

Health

I cast this burden of ill health and pain on the Lord and I go free to experience health, vitality, and wholeness.

Fear

I cast this burden of fear and distrust on the Lord and I go free to experience life to the fullest in the most rewarding way.

Resentment

I cast this burden of resentment, anger, and bitterness on the Lord and I go free to be loving, harmonious, and happy.

These statements should be repeated over and over and over until the subconscious mind is cleared of all doubt and fear. As soon as a fearful thought comes to mind, just affirm one of these truths and soon the mind is swept clear and all clouds are removed from your inner vision. You’ll experience a sense of relief that encompasses your whole being. And the manifestation of the good you desire be-comes a reality in your life. Author Florence Scovel Shinn has said that “active faith is a bridge over which we must pass to …[our desired good.]” So casting the burden clears the mind of all fear and limiting concepts that may have ruled your life. Have active faith. Know that God is with you, making crooked paths straight, and right now pouring down upon you a bountiful blessing.

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Unity of Delray Beach, Florida | (561) 276-5796 | Email: unitychurch@unityschool.com | http://www.unityofdelraybeach.org