February 28th
Life's Problems
God wants to help you with your burdens.
Let me repeat. God wants to help you with your burdens. Now, no doubt you know that. I know that. But last week I found myself in a situation where I WAS NOT LETTING God carry my burden. I had "given it to Him" with mental ascent, but actually I had taken it back right after I had given it to Him.
Does this sound familiar with you? Come on, now. Agree? Ok. When Jesus said "Come unto me all of you who are laboring and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28) he was not kidding.
I don't know why it is, but when faced with some heavy situations (like some I am in right now, believe it or not?) I say, "God, well you have told me to bring my burdens to you, so here they are. (And I would list 5 or 6.) Then I get up from my chair and walk to the door.....free? NO. Why because I find myself "chained to them" I have "tied them" to my very being. So, in fact, I lied to Jesus when I told him I was leaving my burdens with him. How could Jesus take care of them when I, as if it were, "pulled" themn away from his loving tender strong arms?
So, I have found myself much like the farmer who was going along the country road in his buckboard when he overtook a fellow who was walking - with great difficulty - with a very heavy bundle. He asked the man if he wanted a ride and if so, hop in.
The traveler got into the buckboard, sat down very tired and put his heavy bundle in his lap. "I'm caring you," said the farmer, but "you are still carrying your burden."
Many are like that. Our burden bearer, Jesus, has asked us to come to him with our cares, yet we fail to do so. We suffer - spiritually, physically. Let us throw it all on Him - be free of that which plagues us with fear and torment.
My prayer for you:
Lord, I ask that this one be set free from the burdens that weigh them down. Let them give to you that which has been a concern so that they can straighten up in you...load free.
Amen