How to Let it Go

I sat on the gray carpet in the middle of five four-year-olds and I listened.

I listened to a story about a zebra possibly named Zippy while my little man leaned against me. A little girl leaned against me too as we learned about the Good Samaritan. I love God’s Word and the story gave me pause. I wondered if I really cared for people the way I think I care.

I pray and read God’s Word. I get my kids to school and appointments. I run to Bible Study. I take classes. I write. We go to church and AWANA. I wash dishes. I cook dinner.

I wonder if there is more loving of others I could do?

Or as a mom do I do all I can?

Is my writing ministry really showing people I don’t even know the love I have for them, for God?

Do I really love others how I want to be loved?

And I pray for eyes to see beyond me and ears to hear God’s prompting.

I pray to let go my fear and anxiety. Loving messy people is a messy business.

I will never be perfect or get this Christian life right – only through the Holy Spirit can I live holy.

And then I hear these words:

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

When my burden is heavy it isn’t from God. That doesn’t mean the burden won’t be difficult, but in the hard times He still gives me rest. I often add to my God-given burden or fight His yoke. Then I am weary and broken. But Jesus He tells us His yoke is easy, His burden light.

Oh that I would live in the knowledge of this truth instead of fighting and clawing for my way. I am so stubborn and hard-headed.

So I can let go my burdens and my weariness at the feet of Jesus. Then pray I walk only in the steps He has for me each day. I don’t have to live up to any else’s standards – only God’s standard. He tells me to be holy, but He doesn’t leave me to be holy on my own. He empowers me with His Spirit – that same Spirit that rose Christ from the dead, it dwells in me.

So I lay down what others think or what I think others think. I lay down my goals, dreams, and plans. They are too much for me.

Then I take the yoke of Jesus. I find it much easier, much lighter, and there my soul can rest.

How do I lay down my burden?

• I confess my sin of adding to what God has called me to do.
• I pray for wisdom that I only carry burdens God intended me to carry.
• I pray to hear the voice behind me saying, “This is the way walk in it.”
• I rest in God’s promises by memorizing them and clinging to them when my emotions or circumstances don’t match.

How do you lay down your burdens?