Burdened!

March 31, 2022

Burdened!

I was overwhelmed.  I was tired of trying.  I was sure defeat was just around the corner. 

The weight bearing down on my heart and mind and soul were causing me to be stooped over.  My head was hung low with the load I was carrying.  I was burdened with a heavy burden!

I prayed often.  The load was still heavy.  I went to worship.  The burden was still weighing me down.  I read my Bible.  The problem was still unrelenting.  I fasted for days.  The distress was still oppressive.

I was told, “Just lay it down at Jesus’ feet and He will take care of it.”  Maybe I did not trust Jesus enough to believe He would make things better.  I still kept carrying the burden by myself.

I was told, “Just name the problem and claim God’s promise to bring a resolution.”  Maybe I did not know how to name the problem or remember what Jesus had promised.  I still felt weighed down by the load I was trying to handle.

I was told, “Just stop fighting Jesus and He will show you the way through.”  Maybe I did not have enough energy to stop fighting, keep trying, or even giving up.  I still kept putting one foot in front of the other until I was so exhausted I could not take another step.   

When I was at the end of my rope with no solution, no strength, and no desire, the Holy Spirit spoke through the words of the Bible.  It was like Jesus was speaking directly and only to me.  Jesus’ words still hold a special place in my heart. 

In Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSV) Jesus says; “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.”

To be burdened is to have a mind that is preoccupied, a heart that is at dis-ease, and a soul that knows no peace.  We have no strength or courage remaining.  We have no purpose and no vision to guide.  We have no confidence or assurance that Jesus loves us or that Jesus can help us.

It is in those moments that Jesus invites us to draw near to His heart, to learn the Truth from His Word, and to open ourselves to His precious peace.  When we turn our eyes to Jesus and receive the rest Jesus offers, our hearts will begin to be filled with joy and peace and love.  When that happens we will take delight in the Lord Jesus.

I invite you to pray for someone you know who is carrying a heavy burden right now.  Invite them to lunch, share an encouraging word, and extend the invitation of Jesus to draw near to His heart and into His rest.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug