Friday, August 11, 2017

August 11 Thought for the day...lightening our load


In our culture, there are the same 24 hours that the world has always had but some way, somehow we manage to overload ourselves in it. Many in our culture seem to burn out fast. We get overwhelmed trying to do everything for the kids, the job, and to move ahead in life. Is this the plan the Lord has for us?

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Roman soldier's packs increased in weight and size depending upon the journey. If they were on a short journey, the load was small and light. If a long one more stuff would be required and a bigger much heavier pack was necessary. They were heavy laden. If you are following Jesus, you are on this type of journey, the load you are carrying can be heavy.

Jesus is addressing that our walk in this life with Him, will be a long one. On that kind of journey, the weight of the pack will become quite the burden. Jesus promises in the midst of our journey, rest.
This word "rest" means, take a breather, take a break, relax from all responsibility for a moment. The Lord wants us to take a moment to breathe! It is a time of refreshing for the journey.

After our breather, He challenges us with a decision; continue to carry the load ourselves or take up His yoke. In the third world and developing nations, I have seen this all of the time. A yoke is a piece of wood that holds two best of burden together, so the load is lighter. Jesus gave you the burden to carry, and He is saying choose to allow me to carry the majority of the load. I will take the weight all you need to do is come alongside.

The burden then becomes so light that it is a joy. The word "easy" means a delight, joy,  pleasure. When we are "yoked" to Jesus, he does the heavy lifting of everything in our lives. The word "light reiterates that idea in that it means easy and light.

Following Christ is not easy. It is a long journey. The Father knows that so once we accept Him and His call on our lives we feel the joy and burden of it all. It the middle of this, He calls us to take a breather. After that break, we have a choice press into Him and allow Him to do the heavy lifting. If we do we live a life filled with joy and anticipation of what the Lord is going to do. We can choose to carry the load ourselves, feeling the weight with every step until Jesus gives us another rest and another choice.

Try it today. Choose to give your burden, life, gifts, calling, talent all back to the Lord and watch Him cause you to have more favor, more productivity, and more life! That is what He wants for you but do you want it for you?


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