Are you feeling today that there is just too much to do?
I remember a time in my life when I felt like I was drowning under the obligations of being a woman, wife, mother, director of women’s ministries, friend, sister, and daughter. There was so much to do to keep up with family relationships, to keep up the house, to keep up with my job, and to keep up in my walk with God. I literally felt I was drowning in obligation, and continually coming up short.
I truly believe today that when we feel like that, we’re taking on more than we were intended to bear. And most likely, more than God wants us to bear.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus told His people to come to Him and find rest because they were carrying burdens too heavy to bear. He offered them His burden instead – a burden He said was light. What is the burden God places on us? What is the one thing He requires of us more than anything else?
One man asked Jesus that same question. And Jesus’ response was:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
God’s greatest requirement of us was not to do things for Him. It was to love Him. And not to just love Him, but to love Him passionately, desperately, above any other person or thing.
God’s “burden” on us is not a heavy one. In fact, it isn’t a burden at all. It’s a privilege.
When I consider loving Him as my highest obligation and my heaviest burden, it makes all the other things I stress about pale in comparison. My to-do list, my project at work, my financial dilemma ….none of those things is as important as loving my God. And when I focus on loving Him there is a peace that calms the stress. Suddenly the desire to impress, the need to succeed, the anxiety about my performance is gone. I truly can take His yoke upon me and find rest. There is anxiety and stress in striving to carry my own burdens. There is peace and rest in loving Him.
What is it that you are carrying that is just too heavy? No matter what it is, you weren’t designed to carry it alone. Won’t you take His yoke upon you, and feel that weight come off your shoulders as you hear Him lovingly whisper to you:
“For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light” (NLT).
Let me share the burden with you, my friend. Leave me a comment below about how I can pray for you, specifically, this week.
Thanks for sharing this, Cindi! It brought me the peace I needed. I do take on a lot, but if I have the right focus “my love for the Lord” … ah!! I feel so peaceful! I could use prayer that I say “no” when I should say “no” and faithfully do the things – little and big – that God has called me to do. You’re a blessing! I’m so thankful I took a couple minutes to read this.
Thanks, Amber. And I will keep you in prayer today that you will focus in the days ahead on the few things that matter and say “no” to those things that just anyone can do…and save your ‘yes’ for what God is truly calling you to do. Have a beautiful day.
I am going through a grieving period at this time and found your articles on faith and joy so comforting. I know God is the only way to finding the lasting peace and healing I am seeking. God Bless You for all your faithfulness.
Sheila
Thank you, Sheila, for reading and taking the time to let me know you were comforted through some articles you found on faith and joy. It is my prayer you will sense His presence today and share His peace, knowing this world is not our home…better things are yet to come. 🙂
Such a good reminder, Cindi! I am WAY too busy, although with interests I love. But God has been shaking things up and has me feeling a lot of transition right now. I am hungry for His direction. In the meanwhile, I will keep myself re-focused on: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
I am drowning in a world of negativity and feel myself slipping into that abyss, and it is mainly because of work related issues. I feel like I can never catch up or never do it in a way that pleases my boss, who happens to be a family member. We all work together, family, and I find it very hard to say things to that person as I feel like if I do then I may be cut out of this persons life altogether. I do like my job but the expectations and demands just keep getting to be more and more each day. I pray to God to show me the way and to help me stay positive and keep persevering and to love this person as an extended member of my family but feel I am still stuck. I feel as if I am happy then this person is not. What is your advice?
Hi Mia, I think this article that I wrote recently might help you. I realize you’re in a unique situation, working for family, but your peace of mind is more important than your paycheck. Maybe it’s time to reconsider what you do for a living, or pray that God will open a door for you to work in a field where you are living your heart’s desire. For how to handle the day-to-day, I think this article will help: http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/4-traits-of-a-people-pleaser-and-what-to-do-if-this-describes-you.html