The soft pleading of the chorus of a dear old hymn gently entreats us:
Time and time again, scripture advocates that we give our burdens to Jesus, finding rest in His arms. A few examples are found in Matthew 11:28-29, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 41:12, and Psalm 55:22.
If I were to ask you to name the one thing you need to give to God completely, what would you answer? Perhaps, it is your
- Health?
- Finances?
- Marriage?
- A wayward child?
- Job problems?
- Addiction?
- Difficult relationships?
- Guilt over past sin?
- Inability to forgive?
While we surely agree that it is unthinkable to willingly hold on to a difficult burden such as any listed, it seems to be our nature to do just that. Our Lord is waiting to take the burden, but somehow we just can’t let go.
Many sweet souls will testify that they seek to leave their burden at His altar only to take it back up as they walk out the door.
Why?
Do we not trust that God can handle our problem? Do we not understand that the One who spoke all things into existence is trustworthy and undeniably capable of doing whatever He chooses?
The Lean into Jesus Ministries’ 2019 conference “Trust God” provided testimony after testimony of the faithfulness and trustworthiness of our Lord. The scripture that inspired the theme might surprise you: Isaiah 43:1-4. This rich scripture confirms again and again that our Lord cares deeply for us. He is absolutely trustworthy; He can handle whatever it is that we hold so tightly.
While the Prophet Isaiah was speaking to the nation of Israel, Isaiah 43:1-4 also reminds Christians:
- God lovingly and intentionally created us.
- There is no reason to fear.
- He has named us and declares we are His own.
- He promises to be with us when we pass through whatever life gives us.
- He promises that we will not be overwhelmed by the flowing waters of life.
- He promises to be with us when we walk through the fire, and the flames will not scorch us.
- He is our Savior, paying the ransom for our lives.
- We are precious in His sight! Honored.
- He loves us.
When we ask ourselves, “Why do we not leave our burdens with God,” the unfortunate answer is simple. We do not trust Him completely. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Today is the day. Today is the day to give Him complete control of the one thing you have held back. Today is the day to be free finally.
Today is the day to trust the only One who can handle your burden fully. His name is Jesus. He is waiting to take your burden. I pray you will “leave it there.”
Lovingly in Christ our Savior,
Charlene Miller