Digging Deeper: What are We Supposed to Carry?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO CARRY?
Do you ever get really excited about something in life, and then as soon as the moment arrives you think to yourself, “Oh… great…”?
Because that is exactly what happened to me when I started to write this particular Digging Deeper. I was so excited to dig in to the word and write… but did it HAVE to be that one pesky verse? When Paul tells the Philippians “Do not be anxious (or worry) about anything…” I just so dearly wish that I could overlook this verse in the Bible.
Worrying is a bit of a pastime for me. Work, family, money, politics, traffic, health – with so many things to worry about it almost feels irresponsible sometimes NOT to be wringing my hands over everything! And yet… the Lord tells us in His Word NOT to worry. Even Jesus himself says ”Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?“ in Luke 12:25. So what do we do about this? I think Mike gave us a great point on Sunday when he said Jesus wants to carry our burdens.
I don’t know about you, but it is awfully hard for me to just NOT do something, or just give away a responsibility. Fortunately, I think Jesus knew about guys like me from the day He gave us breath. Jesus says in Matthew, “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.”
He doesn’t just leave us idle! He has a plan for us! Instead of worrying and being belabored by the world’s woes, He tells us to give those burdens to him. And in exchange, he has a light and easy burden to lay on our shoulders instead! I don’t think the light and easy means inconsequential; rather, something that is blessed and ordained by the Lord as something we can carry!
Today as you get going, take a few minutes and pray through giving Jesus your burdens, and asking Him for HIS burdens instead! If you’re anything like me, it will change your day!
Josh Neal and his family have been members of NorthStar Church since 2016. He is married to his lovely wife, Mallory, and has three children: Ember, Clover, and Jack. He loves being a part of the prayer ministry at NorthStar, and enjoys everything from Georgia Tech Football, to hunting, to writing.