Have you ever settled in at a spot on the beach, umbrella up, towels spread, snack in hand, and watched as a family journeys across the hot sand looking for a spot to set up for the day? Often the parents are carrying as much as humanly possible, in hopes of making just one trip. The heavy load they carry wouldn’t be half as bad if they weren’t trudging through a deep sea of sand. Each step is labored and difficult. You get the picture. You’ve probably been that person before. I know I have! Just imagining it makes me tired.
Believe it or not, this example came to my mind this morning as I spent time working through a study on prayer. The concept I have been focusing on is the “surrender of prayer”. It’s easy, when a trial comes into my life to go to God and express my need, but often, I continue on under the load. “God, do you see this? Are you aware of this heavy load I bear? It’s too heavy? I need you to work in my situation!” Then I go about continuing on with my load. What I’ve been reminded of today, is that God intends for me to cast my burden on Him.
Psalm 55:22 says, Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
1 Peter 5:7 – Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Matt 11:28 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
As you have expressed your need to God in prayer have you been surrendering your load or continuing to carry it around? There is such freedom in “giving” our requests to God and letting Him have complete control.
As I prayed this morning about the load I carry, I felt the truth of this simple thought sink in, “Tammy, don’t just tell God about your trouble, give it to Him.” As I did so, I could feel the immediate release. I could feel my burden lifting. Because God loves me, I can trust that He will work on my behalf.
Today is just a simple reminder. Is your back bent low? Are you struggling under your load? Have you been praying and yet feeling as though your burden is still too heavy to bear? Perhaps you’ve neglected to “cast” your burden on The Lord. Surrender to Him and find freedom from your heavy load.
Nana - Amen. Helps so much when others come along beside you and pray! God is always good!
Joni Arnao - Thank you so much love these thoughts ~ such truth I it all
Joni