What wearies and encumbers you? What events, circumstances (current or past) keep you from experiencing the joy and freedom of the Lord? Personally, it is often my anxious thoughts (aka worry), especially about current events or concerns for family and friends, that fill my mind and slowly strangle my joy. As I write this, many of my friends are ill or have lost a loved one. Of course, my heart aches for them. I want to fix, make it better, or make the pain go away. What is my place in this circumstance? Most of the time, I can’t control the outcome. What can I do?
We Will Have Troubles in this World
Jesus warned us that we will have trouble in this world. But still, I continue to be surprised or discouraged. Then I reflect on my own life. I have had my share of disappointments, but here I am, approaching a milestone birthday, and I am still standing, thriving in fact. Not in my own strength but in the strength of the Lord. Not because I am so strong but because God is faithful. With each challenge, I had the choice to cave or to cling. I chose to cling to Jesus. Here is what I learned:
A soft heart leads to a strong spirit. A hard heart leads to a weak spirit.
Confession leads to a clean heart. Denial leads to self-deception.
Transparency leads to authenticity. Authenticity leads to freedom.
We always have the choice to stew over our circumstances or surrender them to Jesus. With every choice, we are building our spiritual foundation or chipping away at it. Only intentional, consistent choices will build a firm foundation of faith that leads to transformation and peace. This is the goal of our Christian life. To be transformed into the image of Christ and glorify our Heavenly Father. It is not easy. Life is messy, confusing, and doesn’t always turn out the way we hoped. It is challenging to remember that this earthly life is not our permanent one. We have a home waiting for us in heaven. But for now, this is all we know, and so we struggle with control. Will we try to hold on to control, or turn it over to Jesus? It’s not always pleasant, but the outcome is worth the effort.
The Solution for Feeling Encumbered
Back to my questions: what can we do when we are weary, feeling encumbered by circumstances, or by the suffering of our loved ones? The most powerful action is prayer. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you 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.” Pray for comfort, wisdom, and thank God in advance for His answers. If your concern is for a loved one, ask the Lord how you might come alongside them to help bear the burden. Sit with them without judgment, without taking on the responsibility to fix or resolve. This is for the Lord to do. He may choose to use you, but often He asks you to just be present with them in their suffering. After a period of time and only if the Lord leads, share God’s faithfulness in your life during a dark season. Encourage your loved one to hold tightly to Jesus, fix their eyes on Him, and trust Him to light their path one step at a time. This will strengthen your faith and give hope to those you love.
Blessings,
Personal Parables Questions
- What anxious thoughts will you surrender to Jesus today?
- Who can you encourage today by a tangible, specific action?
- Will you take that action and help bear their burden?
Start with Prayer
Lord, it is easy to become encumbered by the cares of the world as well as of those we love. At the first sign of weariness, remind me to look to you, the author and perfecter of my faith. You are the source and the guide who will lead my loved one and me into the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Scripture for Meditation
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:1 NASB20 – Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
John 16:33 ESV – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Music for Reflection
