I recently had a dream that I was at an airport. Which was not a bad thing – I happen to love airports. But in this dream I was with some of our children and we were weighing in our bags at the check-in. The problem was we were considerably over weight, and my luggage was particularly heavy. I had so much weight in my luggage there was no conceivable possibility I was going to be able to check my bag in, and therefore catch my flight.
I believe God speaks to me in my dreams, and I usually get understanding about what they mean. This particular day I was left pondering what this dream meant. I came to the conclusion that God wants me to be able to go places, and to soar through life, but if I am carrying too much weight or baggage I will not be able to take “flight”. As a consequence I started my day asking the Holy spirit to reveal to me where I am carrying loads I shouldn’t be? It’s surprising how heavy a load we can be under without realising it is counterproductive to the plan God has for our lives.
“Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly. Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:30-31)
Sometimes the weight we carry is not physical, but emotional and mental. We carry weights in our minds; our thought life, that can cloud our clarity, clutter our thinking, and prevent us from hearing and seeing what God actually wants us to be walking in. We also can carry weights in our emotions, as we hold on too tightly to past events, circumstances, and the people in our world.
The problem with all this weight is we literally can’t catch our “flight”, and journey in the plan and destiny God has for us. We are weighted down by all the cares, responsibilities, and circumstances throughout our day. It’s usually why so many people feel mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted by the end of the week.
After a discussion with Jesus, I surmised I had some mental and emotional weight I didn’t even realise I’d been carrying. We get used to bearing the load of weight; much like when we gain extra kilos and gradually adjust to carrying it around. But weight takes it toll. People tire more easily, lose enthusiasm, and long term they sustain damage to their bodies. If they lose weight many people discover an excess of energy, and zest for life. Why? Because they are no longer carrying that extra 10 -20kg around.
Today I encourage you to think about what weights you may be carrying? Remember though, you have probably adjusted your life to bearing the weight, and may not even notice how heavy the load you have been carrying is until you stop and assess how you are actually feeling.
Sadly too often it’s not until we start to feel fatigued, pressured, and gradually lose our enthusiasm for life that we face these things. But God will speak if we will listen. He knows how damaging excess weight can be. Weights that God never asked us to carry leave little space in our thinking, emotions or spiritual life to attempt new things, hear clearly from God, or embark on exciting adventures. We just don’t have the emotional or mental space, and that affects us both physically and spiritually.
Take the time to shed some weight today, and rest in the knowledge that as you do Jesus has it all in his very capable hands.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”(1 Peter 5:7)
“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
“God is our refuge and strength, a great help in times of distress. Therefore we will not be frightened when the earth roars, when the mountains shake in the depths of the seas”. (Psalm 46:1-2)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Prayer: Lord please reveal to me where I am carrying weights you never asked me to bear. I give you my load, and ask that you release fresh vision, ideas, and energy, so I don’t miss my “flight”. In Jesus name Amen.
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