You Give Away What You Carry
The phrase, “you give away what you carry” seems to have fresh meaning these days. In fact, there’s nothing like a worldwide pandemic to reveal what burdens you’ve been carrying for far too long. With so many unknowns and the “new normal” continually changing, I have come face to face with this reality: that I have been scrambling to ignore the hurt I’ve unintentionally held onto in some areas of my life.
Distraction
Let me explain. There are many things I run to when faced with stress, pain, and uncomfortable situations (most things involve shopping, eating, or burying myself in a lengthy social media scroll). Anybody else? At best these are distractions and at worst I believe these things will actually ease the hurt I am trying to pretend isn’t there.
Avoidance
The problem is that it gets much harder to ignore something the heavier it gets. Before too long, I’m weighed down by the burden of built-up depression, sadness, and even unforgiveness. Inevitably, this spills over and onto the people around me. I mean, how can I convey freedom to others when I am visibly struggling to live free myself?
God’s Grace
But thank God for His grace! In the midst of what has been a heavy season, I am reminded that we are not required to “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps” or even “fake it till we make it”. In fact, one of the very best places we can start in conveying freedom to others (even in pain), is by admitting our own need. How do I know this? Because the bible is pretty clear that we cannot live free without Jesus. We need Him. This means turning from our pride and asking for help. It means laying down our best attempts at self-medicating and being honest with God and others.
Lay Down Your Burdens
In other words, it means laying down our burdens and taking on a different way. The way of Jesus. A way that is far lighter and more freeing than any shiny distraction will ever be.
Today, may we take an honest look at what we’ve been carrying, and seek to lay down our burdens at the feet of Jesus.
“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 your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”- Matthew 11:28-30
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