When I take my kids to a playground, they tumble out of the car and race to the swings or slides. I usually sit on a bench with my purse, containing important medicine, close by. The meds aren’t for me; they’re for my daughter. She has a health condition that can go from bad to worse in seconds. I carry her meds because I don’t want her to have to think about them while she’s playing. How could she dangle from the monkey bars while holding her EpiPen auto-injectors? How could she grasp the metal ropes of a swing while juggling a medication bag?
As God’s children, our lives are much easier when we let Him carry our problems rather than trying to manage them on our own (Psalm 55:22). The weight of the things we face can slow us down. A mind filled with worry can lead us to try to control our circumstances. It wrinkles our foreheads. It keeps us awake at night. It drains our energy and makes us irritable. Jesus doesn’t want us to stagger through each day like this. He wants us to have a “rich and satisfying life” through His power (John 10:10).
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who . . . carry heavy burdens” (Matthew 11:28). He’s there when we’ve used up all of our resources and have tried to cope in all the wrong ways. He’s there waiting for us, offering to trade burdens. “Take my yoke upon you. . . . For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).
Theologian and writer Thomas à Kempis states, “Love bears a heavy burden and does not feel it.” I gladly help my daughter because I adore her. This is how Jesus looks at us—He’s always thinking of us because He loves us. In Him we find the wisdom and rest we need when problems come calling.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
More:
Read Galatians 6:2-3 to see how Christians can imitate Him when it comes to helping other people with their struggles.
Next:
When Jesus says He’ll help us with our problems, He assures us that He’s humble and gentle. Why is this significant? What burden will you give to Him today?
Gary Shultz on December 10, 2016 at 5:55 am
Ah, Jennifer the beloved weekend. The post unfolded a somewhat standard response, and then I said to myself it’s that easy. Several things come to mind, from your daughters point of view was faith. She never doubted you would be there with whatever she would need. Second you easily planned and carried all she needed. It’s as simple as that. I do believe somewhere in the pure action of doing that we loose sight of who God really is, and His capability. If quizzed we would get the answer correct; however, laying worry, not concern, but over the top worry down we show we are really not convinced that God is capable of caring for a few, okay maybe what we think are complex, things. This is the God that perfectly designed parts smaller than atoms that hold together all existence. This is the God that made and knows the name of each star. Are we really convinced of that? When we are, it will be that easy. Thanks Jennifer, may Christmas bring the touch of joy to you and yours.
hsnpoor on December 10, 2016 at 8:07 am
Why is it important that Jesus assure us of his gentleness and humility? Because he knows what damage sin has done to our hearts, minds and souls and the result is we ascribe our damaged motives to others, especially those who are acting out of a pure heart and motive for our good. Our first thought is there must be a catch and we don’t want to get caught up. But he loves us more than enough and truly wants us to cast our burdens on Him who is the only One who can truly bear them. He beckons us with humble, gentleness to please accept His invitation to come and be healed by the only one who can truly heal us. I love the Lord because He first loved me. Thank you, Jesus!
massageman90 on December 10, 2016 at 8:30 am
Thank you.. Much needed