Pastor Stephen Dedman

Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬

Question
What burden are you carrying that God is inviting you to release today?

Context
Psalm 55 was written by David during a season of deep distress and betrayal. He is overwhelmed, anxious, and honest about his exhaustion. Instead of pretending strength, David models trust and he brings his burden to the Lord and releases what he cannot carry on his own.

Application
Many of us carry worries God never asked us to hold like fear about the future, pressure to perform, guilt from the past. Casting your burden doesn’t mean ignoring responsibility; it means trusting God with the weight of it. Rest begins when we stop rehearsing our worries and start releasing them to Him.

Truth For The Day
God sustains what we surrender.

Pray
Lord, I confess that I often carry more than You intended. Today, I choose to cast my burdens on You. Teach me to trust Your care and rest in Your sustaining grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬

Question
Where in your life today do you need to invite God’s presence, trusting that He draws near to the areas that feel broken?

Context
David wrote Psalm 34 during a time of great personal distress. He had fled from danger and was feeling fear and sorrow, yet he found comfort in God’s presence. This verse reminds us that even in our lowest moments, God is not distant. He draws near to comfort, heal, and restore.

Application
Life often brings heartbreak, disappointment, or feelings of being crushed by circumstances. In those moments, it can be tempting to withdraw or feel abandoned. But God promises to be close to the brokenhearted. His nearness doesn’t remove the pain instantly, but it gives strength to endure, hope to persevere, and peace that surpasses understanding. When you feel crushed, let His presence surround you and remind you that you are never alone.

Truth For The Day
God is not only aware of your pain, He is actively present in it.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being close to me when I feel broken or overwhelmed. Help me to trust Your presence even when I don’t understand my circumstances. Draw near to my heart, heal my wounds, and remind me that I am never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬

Question
What choices today will help build a reputation that honors God and blesses those around you?

Context
The book of Proverbs contains wisdom sayings primarily written or compiled by King Solomon to guide people in godly living. Proverbs 22 emphasizes practical wisdom for everyday life, including relationships, humility, parenting, and stewardship. Verse 1 reminds us that character and reputation matter more than material wealth.

Application
In a world that often measures success by money, possessions, or status, this verse calls us to focus on our character. Our actions, honesty, and treatment of others build a reputation that lasts longer than wealth. Each day offers opportunities to protect and strengthen our “good name” by choosing integrity, kindness, and faithfulness even when it costs us something.

Truth For The Day
Character is a treasure more valuable than wealth, and a life lived with integrity honors God and blesses others.

Pray
Lord, help me value integrity more than success or gain. Guide my words and actions so that my life reflects Your character. May my reputation point others toward Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.