LIGHTEN THE LOAD
September 17, 2018
Prayer: May we listen to you God and don’t overstuff our load. Make room for rest, and lighten up.
Scripture: “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 NIV
Evaluate your yoke right now. Jot down your schedule for this week or take a look at your calendar/datebook. Remember all of it, errands, appointments, social obligations, your children’s activities, church, clubs, homework projects, classes, Bible study, e-mail, housework, prayer/quiet time, company, sports, hobbies, work, every responsibility, and commitment.
Now I want to ask you, if God spoke loud and clear to you right now and told you what He wanted you to do, where would you fit Him in? Where are you currently fitting Him in? Does He get bumped when you are running behind or running late? Do you believe that being an educator is part of God’s purpose for your life? Is it a job or a mission field? Are you involved in other church/ministry work? Share some of the things you do because you love the Lord? What do you wish you had more time to do?
Many people, especially Americans, are over-committed, stressed and stretched beyond our time and energy. If you can identify with this assessment then I have great news for you, go back and hear this verse again.
“My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Precious friends, I have traveled the long and painful road of being over-committed many times. It is an ongoing battle because I have a hard time saying, “No,” but I strive daily to remain in God’s will, but I am determined not to steal someone else’s purpose. I can tell you that life in God’s will brings balance; all of your responsibilities work together to meet a common goal, there is business but not chaos, hard work but not anxiousness, fulfillment, and most comforting to me, contentment!
Contentment is not an end; it is not a resting place. It is on-going freedom, that motivates you to make determined decisions in obedience to God’s purpose. It is a place filled with peace, focus, and happiness.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]