Psalm 55:22 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Cast thy burden upon the LORD , and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
World English Bible (WEB)
Cast your burden on Yahweh and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
What Psalm 55:22 Means
The psalmist urges himself and his readers to hand their burdens over to God, with the promise that God will hold them up. The word translated burden is rare in Hebrew and may mean what has been given to you, or your lot, which suggests whatever life has allotted you, including anxieties. Cast is a strong verb, meaning to throw, so the image is of actively throwing the weight off, not carefully carrying it. Sustain means to hold up or provide for, as with food or support. The second half says the righteous will not be moved, which does not mean they never face trouble, but that they will not be finally toppled. The apostle Peter echoes this verse when he tells believers to cast all their anxiety on God because he cares.
Context of Psalm 55:22
This psalm is traditionally attributed to David and is written in a time of betrayal. The speaker is hurt by a close friend who turned against him, and he is also afraid and wishing he could fly away. He describes violence in the city and prays for God to act. After pouring out his distress, he turns here to a calm word of advice for himself and others. To read the whole book, see random verse from Psalms.
How to Apply Psalm 55:22
Try naming one specific worry and saying it to God in plain words, maybe writing it down. You may need to repeat this more than once, since worries tend to return. It also helps to ask a trusted person for practical help, since being sustained often arrives through other people.
Related Verses
- 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
- Matthew 11:28-30 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
- Psalm 68:19 – Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
- Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Trust, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cast your burden on the LORD mean?
It means actively handing your worries, troubles, and responsibilities over to God in prayer, trusting him to carry and support you. It does not mean ignoring practical steps, but it does mean you are not meant to bear everything alone.
Does Psalm 55:22 promise that nothing bad will happen?
No. The psalm appears to come from a time of betrayal and fear. The promise is that God will sustain the righteous so they are not finally overthrown, not that they will avoid hardship altogether.
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