Command your works to the LORD

432 orders your works to the LordA farmer was driving his pickup truck on the main road and saw a hitchhiker with a heavy backpack. He stopped and offered him a ride, which the hitchhiker gladly accepted. After driving for a while, the farmer glanced in the rearview mirror and saw that the hitchhiker was hunched over in the back of the truck with the heavy backpack still slung over his shoulders. The farmer stopped and yelled, "Hey, why don't you take off the backpack and put it on the bunk?" "It's okay," the hitchhiker replied. "You don't have to worry about me. Just take me to my destination and I will be happy."

How ridiculous that is! But many Christians have this attitude. They are happy to be picked up in the "ambulance" that takes them to heaven, but they don't take the load off their shoulders during the journey.

This is in contrast to the truth we find in the Bible - and the truth will make your burden light! In Proverbs 16,3 King Solomon shows us one of his sparkling gems again: "Command your works to the Lord, and your purpose will prosper." There is more to this verse than striving to be a dutiful Christian. "Command" here literally means "roll (on)". It has something to do with rolling or rolling something from yourself to someone else. A report in 1. Genesis 29 makes it clear. Jacob came to a well on his way to Paddan-aram, where he met Rachel. She and others wanted to water their sheep, but a heavy rock covered the well's mouth. Jacob “came up and rolled the stone from the

opening of the well” (verse 10) and watered the sheep. The Hebrew word "rolled over" here is the same word as "command" in Proverbs 16,3. The expression of rolling in the sense of rolling a burden on God is also in Psalm 37,5 and 55,23 to find. It represents complete dependence on God. The apostle Peter similarly wrote: “All your anxieties

throw at him; because he cares for you" (1. Petrus 5,7). The Greek word for "throw" essentially means the same as the Hebrew word "command," which is also translated "roll or throw." This is a conscious action on our part. We also find the word "throw" in the account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where he rode on a donkey

“And they threw their clothes on the colt” (Luke 1 Cor9,35). Throw whatever worries you on our Lord's back. He will take care of it because he takes care of you.

Can't forgive someone? Throw it at God! are you angry Throw it at God! Are you afraid? Throw this at God! Tired of the injustices in this world? Throw this at God! Are you dealing with a difficult person? Throw the burden on God! Have you been abused? Throw it at God! Are you desperate? Throw it at God! But that is not all. God's invitation to "cast at him" is unqualified. Solomon wrote that whatever we do, let us cast it on God. During your journey through life, cast all things on God—all your plans, hopes, and dreams. When you cast everything on God, don't just throw it in your mind. Really do it. Put your thoughts into words. Talk to God. Be specific: "Let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4,6). Tell him, "I'm worried about..." "I'll hand it over to you. It's yours. I do not know what to do". Prayer creates a relationship and God desires very much that we turn to Him. He wants us to let Him be part of our lives. He wants to know you through yourself! God wants to hear you - what a thought!

The word "command" is sometimes translated "entrust" in the Old Testament. The Amplified Bible translates Proverbs 16,3 as follows: “Roll [or cast] your works upon the Lord [command/entrust them entirely to him].” Whatever it is, entrust it to him. Roll it on him. Trust God that he will take care of it and will do what is in his will. Leave it with him and stay calm. What will happen in the future? God "will work out your plans." He will shape our desires, wills, and plans to conform everything to His will, and He will place His desires in our hearts that they may become ours (Psalm 37,4).

Take the burden off your shoulders. God invites us to turn everything over to Him. Then you can have confidence and inner peace, your plans, wishes, and concerns will be fulfilled in some way, because they are in accordance with God's wishes. This is an invitation you should not refuse!      

by Gordon Green


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