In Sync With the Burden-Bearer

Rest for the Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Who among us does not experience the burdens of life? There are bills to pay, children in school, unexpected family crises, health issues, job loss, bereavement from death, etc. Keeping our lives intact and functioning on a productive level can quickly escalate into a burdensome task. Also, a significant portion of the problems that we face is beyond our circumstances or control. When does it end? As long as we are alive and breathing, we will always have storms in our life to overcome. There are many challenges on a day-to-day basis that require immediate intervention along with developing short-term and long-term goals to facilitate resolution or prevention of recurrence.

Individuals with family support often have it much more comfortable than those who are relatively on their own to resolve ongoing issues. Almost one-third of my life was spent living in a single-person household. I experienced various problems, such as poor financial money management, job loss, fluctuating health status, divorce, and estrangement, from my immediate family. I emerged as a very broken and unstable individual until I asked God to become a part of my life. My testimony is that God has given me complete healing and deliverance from a disorderly lifestyle and an unproductive mindset. Even so, there were several steps that I had to take to receive freedom from past behaviors.

1. The Acknowledgment-What part was I responsible for when chaos was in my life?

2. Recognition-Realizing that resolving the burdens required God’s intervention.

3. Ownership-Identifying my mistakes and promising to not repeat the old behaviors.

4. Confession-Asking God for forgiveness for excluding Him from my daily life.

5. Transfer of Ownership-Giving my burdens to the only one that has the power to bring resolution.

It has taken most of my life to ultimately allow God to be the Driver of the Automobile of my Life. But now I am content riding in the passenger seat. The obstacles are still on the road; however, for the first time, I have no worries. Taking that first giant leap of faith, and giving every burdensome care to God has strengthened my faith and trust in Jehovah Jireh-Our Provider.

It is so beautiful to let God be your burden bearer. I have been healed from a lifelong history of insomnia. Now when I awaken refreshed and renewed, I ask myself, “What took you so long to figure this out?”

Bible Reading: Matthew 11

God, we desire your intervention in our lives. We acknowledge that we cannot solve our burdens alone. Please help us and free us from these burdensome tasks. Amen. –SJR