“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28)
Life is often like hiking up a steep mountain. It’s hard! But add a heavy backpack and you will certainly be huffing and puffing more. Perhaps you are struggling with the load you have to carry.
With all that is going on in our world it’s hard not to be weighed down with our burdens. We’re working for God, our families, our jobs, our ministries; often with opposition and challenges. No wonder we grow weary. Yet the Lord Jesus said we didn’t have to be loaded down and weary with work or the trials of life. He also commanded us to help one another carry our burdens (Gal 6:2). That’s why I’m writing this series on getting relief from our burdens. I need it, so perhaps you do too.
Let’s see how we can lighten our load by removing, rearranging, or sharing the items in our backpacks. Since burdens come in all shapes and sizes—from small and annoying to huge and painful, let’s sort them first into categories. As you go through each one, think about the ones that are loading you down.
Problems
Life in this fallen world is full of obstacles and difficulties. Whether it’s issues with money, relationships, work, family—you name it—we all have them to some degree. There are as many problems as there are stars!
Sorrows
There are many kinds of hurts and sorrows:
- Loss of a loved one (I certainly know what that’s like)
- Loss of a home, job, business, or relationship.
- Prodigal child
- Empty nest
- Emotional hurt
Pain and grief sap our energy.
Regrets
Maybe you’re loaded down with:
- Past failures
- Wrong choices
- Mistakes
- Procrastination
All in which you are now paying a heavy price.
Actions of Others
The mistakes of others and sins committed against us add a huge weight of hurt. We do not sin in a vacuum. All of our actions. good or bad, affect one another. (And if you haven’t forgiven— the weight is bigger still!)
Unrealistic Demands
Unrealistic demands from others—boss, family, in-laws, possibly even our churches can compound our loads. Jesus spoke the words above to an oppressed group of people under the yoke of traditions and nit-picking rules imposed by religious leaders (see Lk 11:46).
Legitimate
Some burdens are legitimate: the responsibility of taking care of kids, husband, job, or a ministry. Perhaps it’s a God-given burden for someone or something—where you feel strongly motivated to pray and act. Many causes and ministries are born from an aching heart for a group of needy people—like rescue missions for the homeless.
Guilt
Probably the biggest burden we can have is one of guilt and shame. This is such a big one that we will cover it at the end of this series.
Is there no hope for us? No relief from our burdens?
Of course, there is! And it’s not spelled: R O L A I D S, but
J E S U S
We do not have to remain heavy-laden.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30)
Until next time, my friends, let us learn together from our precious Savior. Please join me in this series of finding relief from our burdens. Meanwhile, meditate on Jesus’ words; think about what may be loading you down as you climb up life’s steep trails. And then anticipate the…
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh what a relief it will be when you learn how to lighten your load!
Scripture taken from 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.