Take a Load Off

Meet Andrew, our cat. He’d say hello, but he’s sleeping. Not a care in the world, except maybe keeping his nose warm! Now, I like my sleep, but even I think 20 hours is a bit much…

I think we need to find our inner cats, though. We often outwardly show stillness, but on the inside our minds are racing. We’re attempting to solve the problems of the world, or worrying about how something will turn out, or trying to figure out how to be the best _________ (better than anyone else, of course). We’re carrying weights we were never meant to.

Are you worried? Jesus said,

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life–whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?…Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? …Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today (Matthew 6:25, 27, 33-34).

Yes, we will have troubles, but Jesus also said He would help us walk through them. Let Him help you by walking alongside you, sharing the burden. His strength will lighten your load.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for our souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

The yoke of Jesus is one we share with Him.  We walk along with Him, and He carries most of the weight for us, if we let Him!

Worry is not the only thing keeping us from peaceful rest in God. When we take our eyes off of Him and begin chasing after things of the world, we get much too wound up. We’ve left our yoke partner, and have gotten off-course. Where will that lead us?

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from the world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever (1 John 2:15-17).

Our inner peace depends on our focus. Focusing on ourselves, our needs, our wants, and our desires only magnifies each area we see as lacking. Focusing on God and His Word, and trusting Him and His plan for us, causes the burden to lighten, and brings peace to our souls.