Our eldest son is much taller than I am, and when we go out shopping, he now offers to carry the heavy bags for me. His Dad has modelled to him the importance of bearing the weight and burden for me and to respond quickly to any need he sees.
The bible also teaches us to “bear one another’s burdens”. (Galatians 6:2) Meaning to be there for one another, help when others are weighed down, and be alert to needs around us. Bearing burdens alludes to the custom of travellers, who, when too heavily laden with their baggage, relieve one another by bearing the burdens of the weak or fatigued. It’s a practical outworking of Jesus’ command to love one another.
The key, however, to helping one another is to have a willingness to assist, but not to make it our entire responsibility to fix things. Otherwise, we will soon find ourselves struggling under the weight of everyone else’s burdens, which will rapidly erode our strength and ability to fulfil all that God has for us.
Instead, God’s word exhorts us is to direct people’s attention to Jesus and encourage all involved to give Him their burdens to carry. We offer our assistance so that they can rest, gather strength and gain a fresh perspective that Jesus can help them.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, 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”. (Matthew 11:28-29)
Jesus is the ultimate burden bearer, and He asks that you come to Him so that you will all know rest from your labour. When He carries the load, you can then learn how to travel light and burden-free.
If you know you have been carrying others burdens, make sure you are not taking responsibility and absorbing pain that God never intended you to.
Regularly take time to cast the load upon Jesus, and then do only exactly what He asks you to do, and nothing more, rather than falling into the trap of trying to fix everything yourself.
Today, if you are carrying burdens, cast them upon Jesus for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Your shoulders were never meant to carry the responsibility of making everything work. All you are asked to do is seek Jesus and His way of doing things, and He will work out the rest. (Matthew 6:33)
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall”. (Psalm 55:22)
“What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin. But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows”. (Matthew 10:29-31)
Prayer: Lord, I give you all my burdens today and ask that you carry the load. Help me trust in you and remember that you have promised you will take care of me. In Jesus name Amen.
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