Lighten Your Load

My neighbors often asked the same question, “Who is that strange man?” If you ever drive through my neighborhood in Dawsonville, Ga., a small town northeast of Atlanta, you might catch a glimpse of me hiking. The first thing that you might notice is the large backpack I carry. What would really get your attention is the great, big knife I toss in the air while I am hiking!

That may sound a bit strange, but this exercise in hand and eye coordination keeps me fit for my times in the jungle.

Another question I have heard from my neighbors is, “How much does that backpack weigh?” I really don’t want to know! If I found out that it weighed too much it might burden me during my times of hiking. On the other hand, if I found out that it weighed less than I had thought, well, that would be terrible!

How about you, dear Christian? Are you carrying a load of guilt or holding on to bad memories? Are you burdened down with a load of anger or hate? I want to encourage you to lighten your load by taking all your cares, concerns, defeating thoughts and past mistakes and laying them down at the feet of Jesus.

Listen to the voice of the Lord as He tells you in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When we are lost in a sea of despair and burdened down by a load of sin, our gracious Lord calls us to come to Him and receive His gift of salvation. When we do, He is faithful to give us rest by taking our burdens upon Him and casting them into the sea of forgetfulness.

As we begin to grow as a Christian and learn more of His love for us, He tells us in Matthew 11:29:

“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.”

The more we develop a relationship with Jesus, the more we learn that we can trust Him. As we follow Him, we learn to align ourselves with His Spirit by tying our hearts to His just as a yoke, a bow of wood, ties two draft animals together. It is then that we discover true rest for our souls, for He is carrying every burden and care.

With your load lightened, you will find more strength to assist others who might be burdened. Log onto www.row.org to discover numerous opportunities for you to be a blessing to someone in need, from Vietnam, Peru, Ecuador to Kenya.

Category: Scripture