Casting Hidden Burdens on God

ALMIGHTY GOD, in times of sinfulness, when we have been hiding from Thee, we have cried, Where shall we find God? and Thou hast shown Thyself unto us, not in terror but in love and tenderness. Where shall we find God but in mercifulness and charity? Where men love truly, there God is near.

O Lord, let us think on those words: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord." The burden of life is hard to be borne; we stoop, we stumble, we fall, but we have Thee to turn to. Our burden is unto Thee as naught: we will cast it on Thee; then we shall not find it heavy, or if it is still heavy to be borne, it will be only heavy to cause our better going. Whatsoever be our weary weight of hidden care, Thou only canst know, and Thy mighty strength will bear us up, for Thy Son did say those blessed words, that no sparrow even shall fall to the ground without Thee.

The comforts of God are always given to those who truly need them. The Good Shepherd calleth His sheep by name. Oh, call us each by name! the young, the old, the sad, the glad. Teach us how to weave a sorrow into a strength. In sickness and in sadness may our footsteps become stronger because Thou art with us.

Forgive our sins, help us to cast off whatever is displeasing to Thee. Guide us, uphold us, and when we lay down this weary burden of life and its cares, take us through Thy great love to dwell with Thee for evermore.—AMEN.