Do you carry a heavy load? One that just bears down on you? I'm not talking a physical load, and neither was Jesus, when he spoke these words. He was talking about emotional loads. Those day to day worries, and oppressive thoughts that just seem to wear you down.
Jesus was talking about any number of things. It could mean the heaviness of the sin in your life, excessive demands, oppression and persecution, or even weariness in your search for God. In my life, my burden is excessive "busyness". The excessive demands I've placed upon myself. I've become "addicted" to the hustle and bustle that I've created for myself. I look back at the end of the day though, and think "Just what have I truly accomplished? Are my kids secure in their knowledge of my love and the Lord's? Is my husband secure in his knowledge of my love?" When do we say, enough is enough, and start living life simplistically?
I began reading a book last night, that I can't wait to finish, not because I want to hurry up and get it done, but because I'm really enjoying what I've read so far. The book is titled 'Breathe' by Keri Wyatt Kent. I've only read the introduction and already there have been some profound truths echoing from within the pages. She compares herself to Wile E Coyote grasping at the air as he falls to the canyon floor. What a description! Now this post is not intended to be a book review, but the book is the reason for this post.
I told a friend recently that I wasn't doing all that much in my life, and then began listing what I was doing. Writing the list made me tired! I need to get back in tune with the Lord, and take time to rest and seek out what Keri calls in the book "Sabbath Simplicity." And that is to take time every day in solitude with my Lord, seek out His plan for my life, and really listen to what He wants for me. I cannot expect to hear the "still, quiet voice" from within the din surrounding me.
If you find yourself in this same situation often, if not daily and hourly, I urge you, take time out to be with God, I mean really be with him. Turn off your cell phones and your pagers; go somewhere quiet; take your bible, a notebook,(and I don't mean your laptop) and a pen, and really listen to what He is telling you! It may take awhile before the din quiets within your mind. But don't give up. God in His infinite wisdom, speaks to us with a "still small voice" for a reason. He wants to be your intimate friend, and He has sent a Counselor to live within us. Won't you stop and listen to what He's saying today?
---Lord, I pray that today, you give me the strength and the wisdom to know when to say yes and when to say no. I ask that you show me the time that I can sit and be with you, Lord. Show me how to put You first, my marriage second, and my children third. Help me to see that everything else comes after- Not before. I want to hear Your still quiet voice, directing my life, and I want to glorify Your Name in all I do. I ask these things in Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen
