As I
started up my car in the dark hours of early morning, I noticed a seatbelt
light on the dashboard. I checked my door, opening and pulling it shut again. I
tugged on my seatbelt to test it. But the sensor light still beamed. Then, in
slow realization, I reached over and lifted my purse a few inches above the
passenger seat. The light clicked off.
Apparently,
a cell phone, three rolls of quarters, a hardcover book, and my lunch stuffed
in my very large purse had equaled the weight of a small passenger, thus
setting off the sensor!
While I
can easily empty out a handbag, other weights are not so easy to shed. Those
burdens of life involve a heaviness of spirit.
Whether
the burden that weighs us down is one of guilt such as the one that consumed
David’s thoughts (Ps. 32:1-6), the fear Peter experienced (Matt. 26:20-35), or
the doubt Thomas carried (John 20:24-29), Jesus has invited us to bring them
all to Him: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
We are not built to bear burdens alone. When we cast them on the One who wants to bear our burdens (Ps. 68:19; 1 Peter 5:7), He replaces them with forgiveness, healing, and restoration. No burden is too heavy for Him.
