Run Free
Throughout history, burdens have been inherent to human existence. They manifest diversely in type, intensity, and timing, often underpinning many of life’s trials. Whether health, marriage, family, finance, career, spirituality, relationships, business, future, or personal struggles, these burdens profoundly shape our challenges. Conversely, positive burdens exist, aiming to refine us or aid others.
Achieving absolute freedom from certain burdens might elude us as humans. Yet, our focus should lie in how we handle these burdens. Well-managed burdens foster peace, joy, growth, and unique skills. Conversely, mishandled burdens can lead to destruction, stunted growth, or the erosion of hope.
Burden weights vary; some are light, others crushingly heavy. Some are transient while others seem to embed permanently. Our attitudes toward these burdens define our character and fulfillment in life. How we manage them shapes our quality of life, relationships, career, success, and future.
The impact of burdens on health is profound. Symptoms of a burdened heart span tears, depression, discomfort, discouragement, and stress-induced ailments, affecting mental and physical well-being. Quality sleep, essential for health, is often disrupted by heavy emotional loads. As published by NIH, “research shows that getting enough quality sleep at the right times is vital for mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety”.
Prioritizing the proper disposal of burdens is paramount. Resolving not to let them overwhelm us is crucial this New Year. We must consciously entrust our burdens to the great Burden-Bearer, as Jesus beckons: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’
The enduring solution lies in relinquishing our burdens to Christ, as countless individuals have experienced. Instead of letting burdens drain us, yielding to Christ’s invitation exchanges our pain for rest, fulfilling His promise of finding solace for our souls.
This year, drawing closer to God through prayer and His Word, unloading our burdens at Calvary, is vital. We must leave them at Christ’s feet in faith, resisting the urge to reclaim them after prayer.
Some may perceive faith in Christ as an added burden, yet Jesus assures us it is light. Carrying it with humility, obedience, and divine wisdom reveals its insignificance compared to burdens outside of Christ.
As Charles Albert Tindley aptly penned,
“Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. …if you trust and never doubt, God will surely bring you out…take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there”
So must we bring our burdens to the Lord and leave them all with Him. We must keep the cap of our faith on, for God seeks our unwavering faith. He said in His words that ‘without faith, it is impossible to please Him – Hebrew 11:6. Let us, therefore, approach God this New Year with steadfast belief, acknowledging His nature as a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Remember!!!
* Burdens are lifted at Calvary
* “But on Mount Zion, there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions” Obadiah 1:17
Happy New Year!!
