Today's Verse
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
~Psalm 68:19 NIVThoughts on today's verse...
I wonder how many of us are weighed down by the stuff we drag around day after day? You know what I'm speaking of... the excess baggage. This baggage is inevitable - and who among us can walk through life without picking up some shame or fears or insecurities.
And if it isn't bad enough that we drag this stuff around each day, we persist in hanging on to the things, jealously guarding our junk as though it's worth keeping. Girl Friends! It's time for a housecleaning! Just like this past weekend, the Hubs and I had a yard sale. The items we don't want or use anymore we made available to those who might like to have them. Now mind you, I'm not saying that our excess baggage should be placed upon another person, but it just maybe time to rid ourselves of the heavy burdens. If we're going to give the items to anyone, it should be to Jesus. After all, Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, "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."
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking to myself that there should just be some magic formula or spiritual guide to allow us to just place that baggage at the foot of the cross... then the most important part - leave it there! It is the surrendering that is the most difficult.
Perhaps we should convenant together to pray about our baggage... you see, prayer is not a burden or chore, it is a gift. We're not graded on our prayers... it's not about how well we pray... or how articulate we are... It is about who's listening to our prayers.
My prayer...
Abba, Father, hear my prayer. I'm beginning to realize that some of the burdens I'm carrying around are actually unforgiveness that's festered into bitterness. In Your example teaching us to pray (Luke 11:2-4) You tell us to pray, "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." Oh Lord, may I truly, truly do this and may it not just be lip service. In Your name I pray ~Amen!
Your, because we're His,
Tamara
Worry is my worst piece of baggage/junk and I have really stressed over trying to help this poor little stray that we have...so I am going to leave it at Jesus' precious feet and either that good loving home will show up or we will be the good loving home and have to cope with the problems that will arise from my grandchildren not visiting us.
ReplyDeleteYour garage sale corelation is so great because it works spiritually as well and even after we do a major spiritual "cleaning and de- cluttering", we will need to do it again the next year or sooner. I end up carrying around my clutter such as worries and forget to give them up to the Lord.
blessings and hugs,
marcy
It took me many years to walk away after giving my burdens to God. I always took them to him but they always followed me home....well I am getting much better at yet but I still need to work on it.....have a great day my friend......:-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteGreat timing for me too!
I am going lay all my burdens at the foot of His Cross, and like Bernie, I hope that I can leave them there for Him to release me.
I'm really going to try and center myself, come to a quiet place inside myself, and let Him lead me where He will. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Thanks, Tamara.
Grateful Prayers,
Eileen