Author Darlene J. Conard

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 KJV

The word cast is derived from the Hebrew word YADAH. Yadah comes from two root words. ‘Yad,’ which means the open hands posture, direction, and power, and ‘ah,’ from God’s name, Jehovah. ¹

Yadah is mentioned 114 times in the Bible. It means to worship or acknowledge, often with extended hands representing praise and gratitude. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are encouraged to cast our burdens on Him because He cares about us. There is an indescribable power in extending open hands toward heaven during overwhelming heartache.

Sheri and Jeff Easter’s song “Praise His Name” has inspired me and given me the strength to persevere through many trials. No matter what happens, keep praising Him. Even when you feel like saying, “I don’t understand!” Continue to honor Him. Position yourself to give Jesus that impossible situation. I also remind myself of this—it’s essential to invite God to work through our circumstances.

1 Samuel 30:6 says, …. “David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”  David reminded himself, “God is all power! No weapon formed against me shall prosper. He will deliver the lion, giant, and bear in my hands.  He’ll do it again!”

Hebrews 12:12 is a profound call to action: “Lift those hanging hands and strengthen those buckling knees.” This verse encourages us to raise our weary arms, which may have grown heavy from the weight of struggle, and to bolster our trembling knees, which might be on the verge of giving way. It speaks to the importance of resilience and support in times of weariness and difficulty, urging us to find strength not only for ourselves but also to be a source of encouragement for others who may be faltering.

Amid an intense battle, Moses demonstrated unwavering obedience to God by lifting his rod above him. This act of faith was not simply a symbolic gesture; it had profound implications for the outcome of the conflict. As Moses raised his arms, the Israelites thrived and held their ground against the forward-moving enemy forces. However, the moment his arms began to weaken and lower, the tide of the battle shifted, and the enemy started to gain the upper hand, showcasing the direct connection between Moses’ faith and their victory. Ultimately, it was through Moses’ persistent and faithful act of raising his hands that he secured victory for his people, demonstrating the power of divine backing when one remains steadfast in trust and obedience. This story is captured in Exodus 17:11, reminding us of the strength we can find in unwavering faith during our struggles. 

By surrendering our hands to God, we allow Him to transform what the enemy intended for harm into a powerful blessing.

1 UNDERSTANDING the HEBREW WORD, “YADAHידה and TODAH תּודה” (beauty4ashesministry.com)

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