I confess that I am guilty of taking way too many burdens upon myself. Family members who don’t know the Lord, others making bad decisions, some having financial difficulty … you name it, I feel it, and it can literally affect my health.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus tells us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I’ve come to the conclusion that when we are feeling stressed or angry or anxious, we are probably carrying things that our Father doesn’t intend for us to. Greater Vision sang a song that said, “Lay it down and leave it; I will ease your burden. There’s no need for you to fall beneath your load. Give them to Me, children. No need for you to bear them. Lay them at My feet and know that I’m the Lord your God.” Simple in some ways and yet somehow difficult to relinquish complete control and place circumstances and loved ones into God’s hands.

I’m admitting my guilt, but I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who struggles with this. Friends, the year is still young. Every morning we wake up is a time to start afresh. If you are carrying burdens that are weighing you down and stealing your joy, won’t you turn those burdens to prayer and trust the Savior to handle things? Nothing is too difficult for Him, and even if you do not see fast answers to your prayers, you can rest in the fact that they are now in His hands. He really does care.