January 3: The Donkey

Theme: Letting Go, Leaning In

Scripture
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 55:22

Growing up as a child, I was always captivated by the sight of a donkey carrying the hampers, the rider, and the load. Though small in stature, the donkey moved steadily forward, bearing weight that seemed far beyond its size. What stood out most was not the load itself, but the way it was carried—balanced, guided, and never alone.

In many ways, we resemble that donkey. Life places heavy loads on our backs—responsibilities, worries, expectations, and unseen struggles. Over time, we grow accustomed to carrying more than we were ever meant to bear. Yet Psalm 55:22 reminds us that God never asked us to shoulder these burdens by ourselves.

To “cast” our burdens on the Lord means to intentionally release them. It is an act of trust that says, I cannot carry this alone, but I trust You to sustain me. When we let go, we are not giving up; we are leaning in—leaning into God’s strength, wisdom, and faithfulness.

God promises not only to receive our burdens but to sustain us. He steadies us when the weight feels overwhelming and ensures that we are not moved or shaken beyond what we can endure with His help. As we begin this new year, we are invited to examine what we are carrying and decide what needs to be placed into God’s hands.

Letting go is not weakness. It is faith in motion. And leaning into God is where true strength is found.

Prayer
Lord, I release the burdens I was never meant to carry alone. Teach me to trust You fully and to lean into Your strength. Sustain me as I walk forward, and help me to rest in the assurance that You are holding me steady. In Jesus’ name, Amen.