This morning as I was pondering so many of the difficulties my friend’s are having, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness as I realized all of the needs out there. The diagnosis of breast cancer, the possibility of losing a spouse, the challenges of being a parent, the ravages of grief, the unanswered questions of why God does not answer prayers the way we think should happen–all of these issues came at me like a starship in hyper drive. Life can become overwhelming at times, and even as Christians who know we should put our trust in God, we sometimes become shaky in our faith.
Life is frequently hard–even for those who put their faith and trust in God. I love Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30 and often cling to them when my life seems to be in chaos (which is more frequently than I like to admit!).
“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” (Good News Translation)
Anyone who has worked with oxen or a tandem team of animals will tell you that there is a lead animal that sets the tone for the rest of the team. They are the ones whose yoke bears the bulk of the burden. The people Jesus was talking to when he said this understood that concept. For us, the recognition that Jesus will be working in tandem with us and bearing the burden should be comforting. And while, sometimes we feel the burden is extremely heavy, when it is shared it lightens.
David Crowder sings a song written by Ben Glover, David Crowder, and Matt Maher . “Come as You Are” perfectly expresses what I am talking about. I love part of the chorus that says “Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.”
What burdens are you carrying today? What worries weigh you down? What crises has you paralyzed in fear? What grief seems too much to bear? Give it to Jesus. Lay your burden at His feet and do not pick it up and bring it back into your hands (I know . . . easier said than done). Rest in Him.
Ordinary People Extraordinary God 