Too Heavy?
Have you ever tried to pick up something that was too heavy for you? You quickly discover that your strength is no match for the load you are attempting to handle. Or maybe you have actually lifted and carried something that out-stretched and over-stressed your abilities, and you suffered for it later?
Certain weights are beyond us. There is “cargo” we should leave alone because it exceeds our life-load limits. In the emotional and relational realms of life, if we are not careful we can take on heaviness by making things our business that are none of our business. When we fail to pay attention to these boundaries, we pay a price.
God warns us about carrying things we were never designed to carry. He teaches us how to handle the heavy things in life:
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you … ” – Psalm 55:22 (NLT)
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
The word “burden” refers to “a heavy load of cargo.” It describes the weights that come upon our soul through worry, anxiety and fear. It speaks of the pressures that come on us through weighty circumstances and situations — the stresses of life that drive us down spiritually and emotionally.
What are we supposed to do when life gets too heavy for us?
This is a great opportunity to invite God to pick up and handle what we are not able to handle. God actually encourages and commands us to shift to Him the weight and responsibility of our burdens! He promises to take care of them. And He always takes care of them better than we can!
Are you trying to pick up something that is too heavy for you? Are you carrying spiritual, emotional or relational “cargo” God never intended for you to carry? Give it up to Him! Trust Him! Experience the rest that comes when you do!
Dale O'Shields
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