We don’t have to live downtrodden; carrying such heavy loads. We have help. Last time I gave you 3 steps in relieving your burdens. Here are the rest of the…
8 Steps in Getting Relief from Our Burdens
Step 4: Allow the Holy Spirit to enable you.
By cooperating with God, the Holy Spirit will not only teach you but enable you to bear your load.
In our backpack of burdens many of us have a burden that’s not only difficult to carry but one that constantly pricks us—just like the Apostle Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Three times he begged God to remove this thorn, but God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9).
As a widow I have found that Jesus is not only enough—but MORE than enough. God’s power is sufficient for any and all burdens!
Step 5: Let others help you
God often sends people to relieve our burdens. There are many examples in Scripture (see the story of Moses in Ex 17, 18; Num 11)
We are not to do life alone. We need each other.
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2)**
Jesus is our example here as well. He asked others to pray for Him. He received help from others for His daily needs of food and shelter. It takes humility to ask for help. Imagine the second Person of the Godhead asking mere humans for help! If the God-Man asked for assistance, surely we too can admit our need.
Step 6: Bear your part
Understand that some burdens can be completely removed; others cannot. And some God chooses not to take away—like that thorn in the flesh. For those that aren’t removed, you will have to bear some of the load. But His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Mat 11:30). Remember He is empowering you to carry your part.
Step 7: Be Grateful
Although not explicitly stated in the Matthew 11:28-30 passage, an attitude of gratitude will greatly help lighten your load. Jesus was a thankful Person; it’s part of His character. Learn from His example. When you are heavy laden, praise and thank your Savior and He will lift your heavy spirit.
Step 8: Get specific
All burdens are not created equal! Exactly how to release a particular burden will depend upon its type. I obviously cannot cover all that here. But to get you on the right path:
- Begin with prayer, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you.
- Find biblical passages that address the area in which you are struggling.
- Meditate on them.
- Share it with others in getting specific answers. At the very least they can pray with you and for you as you learn to release it to the Lord.
There is one burden I do want to cover—the biggest burden we all have—guilt. That’s for next time.
One last thing:
Don’t add to your burdens by following your own way.
When you’re in the yoke, totally submitted, Jesus will keep you from going astray. You won’t have the additional burden of figuring out the path ahead or the consequences of future mistakes. He knows the way and you can trust Him to do His part; to pull His weight (99.99999% of it!). That in itself is a tremendous relief!
*The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
**New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.