The Burden Bearer
We gathered around the school table in the sunroom, readying ourselves for a new day of learning. I’m starting my third-year as a part-time homeschool teacher, and now that I have one child who is in a grade I’ve already taught, my confidence has increased a shred.
“This week’s letter is B, so the attribute of God we’re learning is that He is a burden bearer.”
“What’s a burden, Momma?” She twirled blonde strands of hair around her pencil while the little one mashed an old Easter stamp all over the notebook in front of her.
“Good question. When something is really heavy, we call that a burden.”
“Oh okay, cause God can pick up anything.”
“Well, sure He is strong. But a burden is something that makes your heart feel heavy.”
Her eyebrows scrunched towards one another. Little sister kept pounding away on the notebook.
“Okay, think of it this way. Let’s pretend you packed a big suitcase to go on vacation, but it’s so heavy you aren’t able to carry it. What would you do?”
She perked up in her chair, the idea instantly sparking. “I’d ask Daddy to carry it for me.”
“Yeah, I’d ask Daddy to carry mine, too.” The little one chimed in, following along despite appearances.
“Do you think Daddy could carry both of your suitcases?” The joy in my heart was rising as realization began to dawn on us all.
“Oh yeah, he definitely could. He is so strong he could probably carry yours too.”
“No doubt.” The lesson was clicking, and I was so thankful for the Holy Spirit’s intervention in the moment. “And you know Daddy would carry your suitcases not just because he can, but because he loves and cares about you both.”
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” – Psalm 68:19
Friend, there is absolutely no need for us to struggle under the weight of that burden.
That heavy-laden, life-draining, soul-crushing burden.
It is unnecessary to continue hauling cumbersome baggage. Straining and pulling and lugging with all our might.
Because we have a Heavenly Father who loves us. Who cares so deeply about us that He is not only capable of helping, He is willing to do so.
Daily.
But we must make that request. And, honestly, it’s quite simple.
Today, God, I’m filled with anxiety. But you promise to give peace, so I give this worry to you and ask that you’d replace it with your peace.
Today, God, I’m overwhelmed with sorrow. But you promised to bind up the broken hearted, so I give you my sadness and ask you to fill me with joy.
Today, God, I’m reeling with anger. But you are slow to anger and abounding in love, so take this anger and replace it with compassion.
Today, God, I’m covered in shame. But you are rich in mercy, faithful to forgive, so I repent of my sin and ask to be wrapped in your comfort.
I don’t know what your burden is, my friend. But whatever it may be, you can always check your baggage with the burden bearer.
He will can, and will, bear your heavy load.
