Take Our Burdens

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

There is a freedom in being wholly honest with God. It is liberating to open up completely about the weights that we carry. Sometimes the burdens are our own. We don't live up to our own expectations. Sometimes we speak in ways we shouldn't. God is waiting and ready to listen, his forgiveness close at hand.

Sometimes the burdens we carry are inflicted. Our world is not whole, it lashes out and causes suffering. Wars. Rumors of wars. Storms. Fire. Quakes. Famine. These take place around us. Financil burdens, family burdens, health burdens, the weight comes in many forms.

Our God says: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly. This is the invitation. Turn to God, he will join you where you struggle - counseling, comforting, lifting.

And maybe God moves us, to join the struggle of others as well. This is the very meaning of incarnation, that the Son of God came down to us, to help us in our weakness. We too, as the Body of Christ at work in the world are invited to join this burden-lifting work. Rest comes in many forms, and sometimes it is we who can provide a place of rest for others.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh