trbccoffeebreak

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 (ESV)

The load looked heavier than she should dare carry, yet she bent down and picked up. The weight crushing as she began to slowly move from the car towards her house. Wedging herself between the doorway, she edged into the kitchen and just as she released the weight onto the table it toppled over onto the floor.

How many times have we been there friends? Yes, I’ve squeezed into the doorway of my home with hands overflowing with groceries. And I’ve sighed a huge relief when that load was released and safely on my counter. Unfortunately, I’ve also been a recipient of a huge mess when my load hit the floor and not the counter. Not sure what makes us think we’ve got to pick it all up and carry it as far as we can go, but we do.

Not surprising to realize we not only carry hefty bags, but we also tend to pick up and lug around other weights never intended for our shoulders. Something deep inside of us tries so hard to fix everything, do everything and be there for everyone. Loads we were never meant to carry. And what about all those heavy emotions we embrace every day? False guilt for what we have no control over. Worry and stress over situations we can’t change. Anxiousness, paralyzing fear, rage and unforgiveness – exhausts me just to write those words.

Whether we admit it or not, we simply can’t do it all, we can’t be all things for all people and control is totally elusive. There’s really only One who is equipped, prepared and fully capable of handling our load and the loads we attempt to carry for others. God’s shoulders are big enough, strong enough and wise enough to strategically handle the loads we think are ours for the taking. He longs for us to release our expectations and welcome His plan. He desires for us to resist the urge to take on loads not intended for us to bear. His Spirit welcomes an invitation to display the fruits of a surrendered life trusting completely in our God (Galatians 5:22). And for all those moments we forget, bend down and pick up those heavy weights again, God’s open arms offers His grace.

Tomorrow, we may be tempted to resume our “gotta do it all – carry it all” mantra. After all, we’ve been singing this song too long. So when loads and weights invite, let’s never forget not I but God can handle it all perfectly.

“Father, You patiently and lovingly remind us that You are our source and strength. Help us to lean on You and not self. Help us to release what’s not ours to bear and trust You with all the rest.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life