Burdens

I want you to picture all of the things that you worry about. Clearly see the stuff that weighs heavily on your shoulders. The big things. The small things. The stuff no one knows about. Now I want you to imagine you have a sack. Begin to bundle up all of those things. Picture yourself approaching the thrown of Jesus. Remember that bundle of burdens you have? One by one begin to lay them at His feet. Now this is where so many of us get it wrong. I'm guilty of it too.

Once we've worshiped Him and thanked Him for everything He's done for us. After we've placed all our troubles at His feet and told Him we trust Him, sometimes we pack those burdens back up. We're saying, "Thanks Jesus for holding these for a little while. You know I felt so peaceful while you held onto them. I feel revived and renewed. I'll just gather this stuff up and get it out of your way. I think I can deal with it on my own now."

Maybe we don't leave with all of the burdens. Often we leave with our sack just almost empty. There's still that one little burden in there. It's that one thing that we've struggled with for so long it's hard to let go of. Maybe it's something that seems so small to you that God couldn't possibly care about it. 

Leave. It. All.

Once you let go of something leave it alone. Trust that He can deal with it in a way that you never could. He can do so much more with your mess than you ever dreamed. He will fight for you. I know it because He has fought for me. I have not always been the best person. I have chosen the wrong thing again and again. Yet He loves me. His love is not contingent upon how good we are. It knows no boundaries. He loves you right where you are, even in your deepest darkest place. There is none like Him. He's waiting to take the things you carry everyday. He wants to take your struggles from you. You've just got to hand them over. 

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. - Psalm 55:22

The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still. - Exodus 14:14