Bad news has no limits. We often feel it should, like a rainstorm that can't possibly get any heavier. But a storm can always worsen, & the burdens of life can too. - Mitch Albom
No matter who you are, sometimes life just seems to get heavy. There are times when you think you can’t take any more weight, but it just doesn’t let up. Everyone has to learn to cope with the struggles of life. We might decide we need professional help - and there’s nothing wrong with seeking that out. We may turn to friends who have had similar experiences and gain from their wisdom. Sometimes we find some relief in music or in stories that carry our imagination to another place. Unfortunately, sometimes people will find unhealthy ways to deal with the weight of life through substance abuse or lashing out at others.
Whatever is weighing you down today, it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. What you are facing today is hard, but don’t give up.
There is a source of help and comfort that is often overlooked on painful days. The truth is that Jesus cares. I want to encourage you to relate to Him as a real person, not just a religious icon. He’s not just a teacher and not even just a Savior. He is someone to whom you can turn.
“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.” - Jesus, Matthew 11:28, NLT
Jesus invites you to bring the heavy weight of your concerns, hurts, disappointments, and confusion and lay it down. The promise is that this is where we will find rest for our souls. How do I lay down the burdens?
Be Prayerful - just let it all out of your heart. Jesus listens, cares, loves, forgives.
Be Still - when you run out of words, just think about being in the presence of Jesus, no words required, and try to remember that He is with you in an attitude of love.
Be Grateful - thank Him for His willingness to spend time with someone who hurts, carries such heavy burdens, and for being willing to take on those burdens.
Be Mindful - when your mind goes back to the things that burden you down, consciously choose to remember that you gave that to Jesus and ask Him to handle it.
Repeat as necessary.
We sing a song in worship sometimes which means a lot to me. First, because it expresses so much of what I’m trying to communicate here. Second, I can remember my son leading this song at church. Mostly, though, it reminds me to get rid of the heavy things I’ve been carrying and give them to the One who loves me so deeply.
Lay your burden down, every care you carry, and come to the table of grace, for there is mercy. Come just as you are, we are all unworthy to enter the presence of God for He is holy. Lift up your heart, lift up your hands, fall on your knees and pray; for the King of kings and the love He brings is here in this place. We raise our voices, raise our song, We offer Him our praise For the King of kings and the joy He brings Is here, He is here in this place
Below: The Zoe Group singing Here In This Place
I know an internet post doesn’t have the power to deal with the complicated and hurtful issues of life. But I hope it does point to the One who can give us hope. We can depend on Him to see us through. He said that when we are weary and burdened, we can come to Him. That the King of Kings offers for me to come to him when I am feeling beat up by life, has been a saving grace many times in my life.
Excellent article on a timely matter.
Hey John, I've laid my burdens down before. So, again today. . .
Thanks John