How do you carry? With arms bent in weight or hands lifted light? Is it even to us to carry?
The world has not changed much over the last couple thousand years. Jesus commented of those who were the rock stars, political leaders, ‘respected’ of their day “They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see.” (Matthew 23: 4 NIV)
What loads are we carrying today, ones others put on us – ones we’ve picked up ourselves. The world is a heavy mess, it will always be til the return of the Savior.
There is really only one burden we need carry “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
But what to do with all the weight we feel “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1Peter 5:7 NIV) Even in this, no conditions. It doesn’t say ‘then He will care for you’ it says ‘because He cares’. Already done, regardless of what we do. At the ready to lift us up, enabling us to carry Him with us and to others.
An alcoholic spouse, a wayward child, a dementia bound parent, unfaithful friend, lost job, ill health, these are not ours to carry. Cast them – heave, thrust, toss, hurl – really, just let go of. These are things best carried in arms bigger than ours.
So I’ve found in sitting next to the death bed, speak of Him. In fear of losing all, lift up Him. Take the worry and heave it on Him in prayer. Take the fear and hurl it on Him with lifted eyes and hands. Take any regret and thrust it on Him living for now, not then or when.
Deep breath before the appointment, quick prayer before the reaction, song of His in our soul when laying down, Word buried in heart to start each day. These are light and lift our hands, arms are freed to move beyond our heaviness and quickened to carry Him to another burdened soul.
If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME! So glad you are here!
January 19, 2016 at 7:10 am
That was beautiful!! I needed that. Thank you!
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January 19, 2016 at 7:30 am
Thanks, Jill, praying your load is light today and as you walk your days in Him you will only carry Him and let Him carry the rest 🙂
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January 19, 2016 at 7:58 am
Love the contrast of your images – what a great visual reminder! These words are sweet comfort to me today. Thank you!
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January 19, 2016 at 3:49 pm
Renee, always excited to hear from you. He is our source of comfort and able to do great things. Blessings… Paris
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January 21, 2016 at 10:57 am
Beautiful a friend sent me this link and I’m forever grateful she did
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January 22, 2016 at 7:07 pm
Jennifer, thank you so much for stopping by Living Braver and for reading. Blessings as you walk through life Him, He is faithful….
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January 22, 2016 at 12:35 am
Paris – this is one of my favorite verses- thank you for all these good thoughts on it. just what i needed to hear tonight- sending hugs
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January 22, 2016 at 7:05 pm
Susie, Hugs right back at you, appreciate your kind words and praying we can just carry Him in our hearts and to others and let Him carry the rest….
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January 22, 2016 at 2:48 pm
Great images. They brought such life to your words. He will carry all those burdens, won’t He! Our fleshly nature is to hold on, though. Such a battle… Thanks for the beautiful post!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
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January 22, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Lori, thank you for your kind words. Yes, it is a battle, about the time I let go, I realize I’ve picked them up all over again Praying with you that we will carry just Him and let Him carry the rest. Blessings always…
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