Is a burden robbing your rest?
This Labor Day, folks are laying aside their burden to enjoy the three-day weekend that marks the end of summer activities. One last visit to the lake. The final time to pop the tent by the river. A quick get together with out of town family and friends for a BBQ.
But some won’t be able to rest.
They bear a burden – a weight too heavy to carry but too personal and pressing to lay down. While surrounded by celebrations, they will keep to their forefront a problem. No. Problem isn’t the right word. The burden these people bear is a crisis. Perhaps their son, daughter or parent has succumbed to drugs, or a family member recently lost their life battle. Maybe their finances are dwindling faster than their obligations are piling up.
Life isn’t fair.
There simply isn’t a moment when peace is afforded to all. No one disputes the fact that there is pain in the world. Sometimes we suffer from mistakes we make. Often it’s because of other’s failings. Let’s face it. Too many travesties of life just can’t be explained.
There is hope.
Jesus offers peace of mind and heart.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. John 14:37-28a NLT
We only have two choices. Carry our burdens or hand them over to God.
Sometimes we try to bury a burden in overload.
Cramming as much fun into a “restful” weekend as possible, only to spend the first few days back at work recovering can temporarily bury a burden. The trade-off is exhaustion. And the crisis resurfaces.
Sometimes we either prioritize or ignore a burden by remaining plugged in.
Staying glued to work via a cell phone to prevent a presumed backup of duties can deflect a burden. But there’s no rest in that. The crisis continues to weigh us down.
There is a way.
Jesus wants to lighten your load.
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 NLT
Post Labor Day is the sprint to the elections. Then the calm before the holiday storm that closes out the year. If you carry a burden, I pray you entrust it to God. Don’t let it rob your rest. If you want to trust him and don’t know how, please contact me. I will be happy to show you the way.
I found the video below. What a great song of hope and encouragement. Rest in Me by Todd Vaters.
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