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It’s easy to find ourselves struggling to fulfil all our roles in life – spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, friend, our role at work, as well as the work we do at home – cook, cleaner, gardener, nurse, accountant, counsellor, diplomat and of course our ministry. Let alone when crises arise. At times we may feel like we’re drowning.
If we are trying to do everything in our own strength it will be difficult. We are likely to become run down and tired. When we are weary we may become frazzled and behave in ways we regret later on. At these times the pressure and stress may effect our judgement. We may start thinking “I can’t ….” “It’s too much …” “It’s not fair …” Or return to old habits and a negative mindset.
Kris Vallotton says that complaints are to the devil what praise and worship are to God. So, if God inhabits our praises, who do we invite into the room when we complain?
We have a merciful God. He sent His son Jesus to walk on this earth, fully man. Jesus understands the difficulties in our lives, as he has experienced all it is to be human. He urges us to give our burdens to Him.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
A few years ago I was in a challenging season. It felt like pressure was pushing in on me from all sides, work, home, finances and relationships. I was attempting to control all the variables by my own strength and nothing was working. I felt beaten.
Just when I got to the end of myself, I called out to God and admitted I can’t do this. I told God I was handing all these burdens to Him. Now in the past I have called on God for help and given my concerns to him. However, I had never really let go of them. A time would always come when I would gather all my troubles back close to my heart and worry over them again. It is crucial to remember that whatever we focus on is our treasure – the most important thing in our lives.
For where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.
Matthew 6:21 (AMP)
I was crying and talking to God, revealing all my concerns. I repented from never trusting Him enough in the past to fully let go. This time was different. I was done. I had no interest in taking anything back. I agreed to continue to put one foot in front of the other and do whatever I had to do in the natural. However, I would also listen and follow His direction. I resolved to finally abide in Him.
A sense of calm and peace soon filled me, quenching the anxiety and lies of the enemy. Life still happened, nevertheless, I was immovable in my faith that God had taken my burdens. I did not worry. There was an ease to my life, and nothing rattled me. Also, the circumstances that I was concerned about never eventuated.
We would do well to avoid the trap of struggling with our expectations and His divine solutions and timeframe. Reject any thought that causes doubt. Most importantly, never make the mistake of taking our troubles back into our own hands.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
Bill Johnson puts it this way: there is an exchange – our burdens for the peace that surpasses all understanding. He goes on to say it is a pretty great bargain for us. It’s all in our favour. I like to say “no backsies” No matter what!
This peace is available to every believer who surrenders themselves to God. If you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, and maybe you aren’t sure how, it is a surprisingly simple, yet profound act.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
Congratulations! You have just begun an incredible journey with our loving God. I recommend you get a bible and read it, as well as join a church to fellowship in. Remember, we have a good God and He will never forsake you. You will never have to go through anything alone again.
I hope you enjoyed this blog. If you gave your life to Jesus I would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to subscribe, please fill out the section below. God bless you and your family.
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