When the Burden Feels Heavy
Then Jesus said, “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 your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Have you ever had a time in your life when you thought, "Man, this is hard. This task is hard. This season is so heavy. I don’t know if I’m actually doing what God has placed in my hands well."
Well, I’ve been there. These verses from Matthew came to mind and I thought, "Why does my task feel so heavy? It’s not supposed to when I’m following Jesus." Then I did a little research into these verses. These verses are comparing the heavy burden of Jewish legalism to the relationship with Jesus, a free and loyal relationship with Jesus. With this relationship, comes obedience to the Word of God which, in turn, makes our burden light and allows for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. So, journey with me for a minute.
Let’s use work as an example. Maybe you’ve been given a task, a role, a position, perhaps, that is beginning to feel heavy. Your assignment feels hard. This could be hard for you personally, relationally, etc. You know it’s what the Lord has called you to in this season, but it is HARD. Maybe you start questioning if you are even cut out for this assignment.
I would submit to you that your burden is feeling heavier than it should not because you haven’t put Jesus first place but because you have forgotten to take this problem (burden) to the Word of God. Maybe you’re thinking, well the Bible doesn’t talk about my exact work situation. No, it doesn’t. But the Bible provides help for the root of the problem.
What’s the root? Comparison, jealousy, exhaustion, selfishness, pride, gossip, dishonesty? The list could go on and on. Have you taken the root of your problem to the Word of God? Have you had an honest conversation with God about the root of your problem and then paused and listened to what He might have to say about it?
When life gets heavy, I know I’m most renewed by staying disciplined in my walk with God. That means opening my Bible and going straight to the Word. That means asking God to please encourage my heart in this season, asking for revelation as to what I’m not completely giving to Him so I can truly say that I am walking in the Spirit and this burden is light. Yes, the burden might be heavy, but when totally surrendered to the will of God and walking in true relationship with Him, the burden won’t feel so heavy because you know Who to give it to.
When your burden feels heavy, lay it on the Word of God. When it feels heavy, realize that you are getting stronger everyday. Just like someone lifting weights. If they only ever held a weight that was easy, they wouldn’t build stronger muscles. You can’t grow spiritually without a little weight, but it’s not meant to be crushing. It’s meant to prune you and lead you back to the One who assigned you this season you are in.
Whatever it is that feels heavy today, consider the words of God from Isaiah 41:10 and be encouraged:
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Activation: Dwell on Matthew 11:28-30 today. Memorize it. You will find rest for your soul when you let Jesus teach you and guide you.
“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 your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Have you ever had a time in your life when you thought, "Man, this is hard. This task is hard. This season is so heavy. I don’t know if I’m actually doing what God has placed in my hands well."
Well, I’ve been there. These verses from Matthew came to mind and I thought, "Why does my task feel so heavy? It’s not supposed to when I’m following Jesus." Then I did a little research into these verses. These verses are comparing the heavy burden of Jewish legalism to the relationship with Jesus, a free and loyal relationship with Jesus. With this relationship, comes obedience to the Word of God which, in turn, makes our burden light and allows for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. So, journey with me for a minute.
Let’s use work as an example. Maybe you’ve been given a task, a role, a position, perhaps, that is beginning to feel heavy. Your assignment feels hard. This could be hard for you personally, relationally, etc. You know it’s what the Lord has called you to in this season, but it is HARD. Maybe you start questioning if you are even cut out for this assignment.
I would submit to you that your burden is feeling heavier than it should not because you haven’t put Jesus first place but because you have forgotten to take this problem (burden) to the Word of God. Maybe you’re thinking, well the Bible doesn’t talk about my exact work situation. No, it doesn’t. But the Bible provides help for the root of the problem.
What’s the root? Comparison, jealousy, exhaustion, selfishness, pride, gossip, dishonesty? The list could go on and on. Have you taken the root of your problem to the Word of God? Have you had an honest conversation with God about the root of your problem and then paused and listened to what He might have to say about it?
When life gets heavy, I know I’m most renewed by staying disciplined in my walk with God. That means opening my Bible and going straight to the Word. That means asking God to please encourage my heart in this season, asking for revelation as to what I’m not completely giving to Him so I can truly say that I am walking in the Spirit and this burden is light. Yes, the burden might be heavy, but when totally surrendered to the will of God and walking in true relationship with Him, the burden won’t feel so heavy because you know Who to give it to.
When your burden feels heavy, lay it on the Word of God. When it feels heavy, realize that you are getting stronger everyday. Just like someone lifting weights. If they only ever held a weight that was easy, they wouldn’t build stronger muscles. You can’t grow spiritually without a little weight, but it’s not meant to be crushing. It’s meant to prune you and lead you back to the One who assigned you this season you are in.
Whatever it is that feels heavy today, consider the words of God from Isaiah 41:10 and be encouraged:
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Activation: Dwell on Matthew 11:28-30 today. Memorize it. You will find rest for your soul when you let Jesus teach you and guide you.
“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 your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
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