“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you and carry you.” (Ps.55:22; Isa.46:4). “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt.11:29).
Lord Jesus, like every day, today we are grateful you are ruling the world with your grace and truth. You abound in burden bearing love, rest-giving kindness, and peace-giving perspective. Whew and Hallelujah!
In my most recent airport adventure, I saw a guy carrying 4 backpacks running to catch a flight. I immediately thought, “Good luck trying to get on your plane with 4 backpacks!” Because I was already tired, I imagined myself as that “guy” and assigned meaning to each of the 4.
The first backpack represents past regrets and accumulated shame. The second backpack holds bruised and broken relationships and resentments. The third backpack contains vulnerability about the future and fears generated by negative “What if’s?” in life. The fourth backpack is different from the other three, because it’s shaped like your yoke—specifically designed to be “easy and light” and to carry me, and not me carry it.
I felt your Spirit’s witness, telling me I can choose only one of these four to carry for the rest of my life—and I must leave the other three behind. Well, that’s a no-brainer. Of course, I choose backpack four, Jesus. BUT I have to choose it every day and leave the other three “off the plane.”
So HELP me Jesus! Every time I’m tempted to reach for the other three, supernaturally, providentially, kindly, firmly “swat my hand.” You will “hold me fast” and you will carry me Home. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
