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Psalm 55:22 Devotional: What to Do When Letting Go Feels Impossible
I’ve been holding onto things I was never meant to carry.
Lately, my mind has been full of “what ifs.”
What if things don’t work out? What if I’m making the wrong decisions? What if the future looks nothing like I hoped? Without realizing it, I’ve been carrying tomorrow’s worries while still trying to live through today.
It’s easy to say “Let go and give it to God.”
They are words I see on cards and hear in church all the time…
Yet on certain days, they feel like one of the hardest things to actually do. Letting go does not come naturally to me. Part of me craves certainty. I want to know exactly how everything will unfold. Another part of me believes that if I just keep working on an issue long enough, I’ll eventually solve it.
But most of the time, all that overthinking leaves me feeling exhausted.
Surrender is a Daily Habit, Not a One-Time Event
That is why I keep coming back to the invitation in Psalm 55:22 NKJV:
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
I’m learning that surrendering my worries isn’t something I do once and cross off a list. It’s a choice I have to keep coming back to throughout the day.
Sometimes, surrendering looks like handing over my to-do list in the morning when anxiety creeps in. Other times, it’s pausing in the middle of a chaotic afternoon when I’m struggling to keep my focus… choosing to talk to the Lord. And very often, it’s right before I fall asleep, when my mind starts replaying every single possible outcome for the future.
God doesn’t get tired of me going back to Him with the same worries. He cares deeply about the very things that weigh on my heart because He loves me.
I need to always remind myself of that… Because it changes the way I pray. Instead of frantically pleading for Him to fix things, I can simply tell Him what’s on my heart and trust that He is already holding what I cannot. Seasons change, but His love, faithfulness, and constant care for me remain the same.
Behind the Art: The Gentle Shepherd
When I sat down to create this piece of hand-drawn modern Christian art, I wanted to capture the cozy, comforting peace that comes when I finally drop a heavy burden. Using a torn paper collage aesthetic with fall-inspired warm colors, this illustration frames the encouraging faith quote “let go and give it to God” in playful, retro-inspired hand-lettering.
The little doodles bring together warm late summer, autumn vibes-a cute, happy sheep carrying a flag, an apple with a bow, botanical flowers, a mushroom, a burning candle, celestial stars, and painterly brushstrokes. I love to highlight the reality of the Lord as our Good Shepherd. A sheep doesn’t need to spend its days worrying about where tomorrow’s pasture will be. It simply rests because it trusts its Shepherd to lead the way forward.
You Don’t Have to Carry the Weight of Tomorrow Today
If your heart has been burdened by cares, worries, or endless “what-ifs” lately, let this be your permission to pause: You don’t have to carry every fear into tomorrow.
You can cast your burdens onto the Lord… again and again, as many times as it takes… and trust that the One who loves you is holding your life together with lovingkindness and care.
A Simple Reflection for Your Day
- What is one specific “what if” thought that has been repeating in your head today? What would it look like to consciously hand that athought over to God right now?
- How does picturing yourself as a safe, cared-for sheep help you find rest in His love and presence today?
FAQ: Learning to Cast Your Burdens
What does it mean to “cast your burden” on the Lord?
The word “cast” implies physically throwing something heavy off yourself and onto something else. It means identifying the specific thought making you anxious, worried, or fearful, then writing it down or saying it to the Lord in a prayer, that you’re choosing not to let this thought weigh you down, that you’re handling it over to the Lord in that moment.
Why is it so hard to let go of control even when I want to?
We often equate “control” with “safety.” We think that if we keep worrying, keep strategizing things in our minds, we are somehow protecting ourselves from being surprised or hurt by the future. Biblical trust requires us to realize that true safety comes from seeking God’s protection and guidance.
What should I do when a worry comes right back after I pray about it?
It is completely normal for worrying thoughts to pop back into your mind. When they do, don’t feel guilty or assume you failed at “letting go.” Simply treat it as a prompt to pray again. Say, “Lord, this worry is back, so I am casting it back onto You right now.” Keep reminding yourself that you have already surrendered it to the Lord. He’s in control, and you’ll choose to remain in His peace.
Safe in His Sustaining Grace
You can rest easy today. You don’t have to figure out tomorrow’s plans today. Leave your worries with the One who never tires of holding you. You are loved. You are sustained. And you are safe in His embrace.
— Nicole
A Little Invitation
If you’ve been feeling tired from holding onto endless worries, I share creative reflections and simple journal prompts in my free studio letter. It’s a quiet, cozy space where we learn to lay down our burdens together through Scripture and art. You’re so welcome to join us below!
