You Can't Carry That Alone
Driving home from work yesterday I was listening to one of my favorite bands from when I was a teenager. The song's chorus lyrics are this:
I'm holding on
why is everything so heavy?
Holding on
So much more than I can carry
I keep dragging around what's bringing me down
if I just let go, I'd be set free
Holding on
Why is everything so heavy?
Linkin Park, Heavy
So my question is this: Why IS everything so heavy? Why does it feel like we carry our burdens around with us on a daily basis? Why does it feel like we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders? We carry financial burdens, relationships, family life, a full time job, and so much more like they are chained to us and holding us back from our full potential.
But if we are Christ followers then how can we follow Jesus if we are carrying things that are far too heavy for us to hold? We see it time and time again in the Gospels of the Bible, Jesus was always on the move. Traveling from here to there trying to lead everyone he could reach to His Heavenly Father. And His disciples loved Him so much that they would follow Him ANYWHERE! And as the new generation of disciples we are expected to follow Him as He moves as well!!
How can we do that with these burdens that are causing us to wear down and fall behind Jesus? Well I think the answer is very clear in Matthew chapter 11:
Matthew 11:28-30:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
The answer in this verse rings loud and clear: "Come to ME!" Jesus did not mean for you to carry the weight of this world. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. This is a call to cast all of our burdens, all of our anxiety, onto the Lord because here's the crazy thing: HE CAN CARRY IT ALL!!
Check out 1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you"
He CARES for you and He will sustain you.
So in this season here is my challenge for you:
Draw close to Jesus
Spend time in the word. Spend time in prayer. If you are consistently exhausted and weary then it is because you are carrying something that is not meant for you to carry. Allow God to ease that burden and lift up your spirit. You will feel refreshed the more you spend time with Him.
2. Draw close to others
You are not meant to do this life alone. Find other like minded individuals that want to run after Him with the same enthusiasm that you have! God created us with a desire to have relationships. Check out this verse about the greatest commandment:
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
LOVE your neighbor! Who is your neighbor? EVERYONE you come in contact with! If you want a fulfilling life then sow love everywhere you go and allow people to be a part of your walk with Jesus!
In this season, DO NOT try to navigate life alone. Clothe yourself in the Word and surround yourself with friends.
Your life doesn't have to be easy when you're "yoked up" with Jesus!
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