Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out.
Psalm 55:22a The Message
The image of Atlas, with the world upon his back, is well-known. Unfortunately, many people would describe it as a picture of their daily experience. Far too many individuals feel as if they are bearing the weight of the whole world upon their backs.
Even if a person doesn’t feel like everything is upon their shoulders, the feeling of being overwhelmed and overburdened seems to be a familiar one.
The Psalmist encourages us to let God carry the load. “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders”, he writes. I am convinced that in our individualistic society, we often bear burdens alone which were meant to be shared.
This passage tells us that it is good and necessary to share our burdens. We are not to carry them all by ourselves. In fact, they become lighter when we have other people to help us share life’s difficulties. By all means, share your burdens with the Lord, and also with your friends.
“A burden shared is a burden halved.”
T. A. Webb
Why should we share our troubles with the Lord? He promises to help carry them. This promise was repeated by our Lord and Savior…
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
Prayer
God of grace,
There are times in my life when I feel worn out, tired, and all alone. When the weight of my troubles overwhelms me, remind me of your faithful promises. Tell me once more that Your shoulders await my burdens. Then take them from me, when I give them to You. Also lead me to brothers and sisters with whom I can share my burdens, even as they share their burdens with me. May I share the joy and promise of your life sustaining love with them. Faithfully I pray these things, in the name of you son, my Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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