Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
“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.”
Have you ever felt a heavy burden or a feeling as if there’s a weight of things that keeps flooding your mind?
I can recall someone describing this feeling as numbing or a burden with no motivation to move forward. As humans I believe this naturally happens due to the cares we place on ourselves. Having unrest in one's life when considered can make the Christian walk tedious and at times hopeless. Our minds' natural response when overwhelmed is to worry or become anxious, however, we thank God that He makes a way to overcome these challenges. The Bible says, in 1 John 4:4(NLT), “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives an invitation for all to come to Him; all who are weary and carry heavy burdens and He will give rest. Living in this world, we are expected to get weary and burden down at times. However, there is an expectation from God, that in return, we will obey Him to receive His invitation of rest. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we can have rest for our souls!
How do you deal with your burdens or the heavy load of thoughts and concerns in your mind? Feelings of loneliness, lost, being defeated, or physically exhausted. Have you ever tried praying? Guess what, praying is the key! Spending more time in prayer will not only lift your heavy burdens, but will allow your relationship with the Lord to grow deeper. By praying you will be able to experience the true meaning of His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Sometimes when we pray, it may feel as if the burden is not being lifted? Let me remind you to “NEVER STOP PRAYING”. The Word of God reminds us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT). The scriptures provide us with a blessed assurance of hope and peace as we live in Christ Jesus. The Lord desires a heart of thanksgiving, despite what we are facing in this life. For it is written, “Be thankful in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”(1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT).
As we go to the Lord in prayer, He wants us to come with an understanding that before we bring anything to Him, He knows our thoughts. There’s nothing we can hide from God. He is the God that sees all. The Psalmist David says in Psalm 139:4(NLT), “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” In times like these, some may turn to God for refuge, like the Psalmist David did, and others may turn in another direction. Recently while praying to the Lord, I saw so many souls to pray for, things to pray about, and the burdens of family and friends that flooded my mind. At that moment, I began to lift up my hands to the Lord, saying, “Here is my prayer basket Lord, you know all the names you have laid upon my heart. I can’t carry them all, but here is my prayer basket.” In the Spirit, I saw this basket lifted up to Heaven with all the prayers carried to the Lord. When I was lost for words, and tears began to flow, I could feel the release of the weight I was carrying being taken away. I encourage you today, that even if the burdens are too heavy, our “tears are prayers too. They travel to God when we can’t speak” (Psalm 56:8).
Do you have a heavy burden that needs to be lifted? Lift up your prayer basket to the Lord, He will release you, and exchange yours for His burden which is light.
If you have not given your life to Jesus, I encourage you, THIS IS THE DAY OF SALVATION!! Don’t wait! “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7, NLT). What shall you do to be saved? Acts 2:38 makes it clear, and He will make you whole! God bless you and I pray the Lord shines His face upon you and be gracious, in Jesus name!
What shall I do to be saved?
Acts 2:38 (NLT)
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Please take the time to read the Scriptures throughout.
Have a blessed weekend!!
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