For Those Desiring a Deep Christian Faith...
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
  • Daily Meditation
  • Past Daily Meditations
    • 2023 Meditations
    • January Meditations >
      • January 1
      • January 4
      • January 6
      • January 9
      • January 11
      • January 13
      • January 15
      • January 17
      • January 20
      • January 22
      • January 24
      • January 26
    • 2022 Meditations
    • December Meditations >
      • December 2
      • December 4
      • December 6
      • December 8
      • December 11
      • December 13
      • December 15
      • December 18
      • December 20
      • December 22
      • December 25
      • December 27
      • December 30
    • November Meditations >
      • November 2
      • November 4
      • November 6
      • November 9
      • November 12
      • November 14
      • November 16
      • November 18
      • November 20
      • November 22
      • November 25
      • November 27
      • November 29
    • October Meditations >
      • October 3
      • October 5
      • October 7
      • October 12
      • October 14
      • October 16
      • October 19
      • October 21
      • October 25
      • October 27
      • October 29
      • October 31
    • September Meditations >
      • September 1
      • September 3
      • September 6
      • September 8
      • September 10
      • September 12
      • September 14
      • September 16
      • September 18
      • September 21
      • September 23
      • September 26
      • September 28
    • August Meditations >
      • August 2
      • August 5
      • August 7
      • August 9
      • August 12
      • August 14
      • August 16
      • August 18
      • August 20
      • August 22
      • August 24
      • August 27
      • August 30
    • July 2022 Meditations
    • June 2022 Meditations
    • May 2022 Meditations
    • April 2022 Meditations
    • March 2022 Meditations
    • February 2022 Meditatons
    • 2021 Meditations >
      • January 2021 Meditations
      • February 2021 Meditations
      • March 2021 Meditations
      • April 2021 Meditations
      • May 2021 Meditations
      • June 2021 Meditations
      • July 2021 Meditations
      • August 2021 Meditations
      • September 2021 Meditations
      • October 2021 Meditations
      • November 2021 Meditations
      • December 2021 Meditations
    • 2020 Daily Meditations >
      • January 2020 Archive
      • February 2020 Archive
      • March 2020 Archive
      • April 2020 Archive
      • May 2020 Archive
      • June 2020 Archive
      • July 2020 Archive
      • August 2020 Archive
      • September 2020 Archive
      • October 2020 Archive
      • November 2020 Archive
      • December 2020 Archive
    • 2019 Daily Meditations >
      • January 2019 Archive
      • February 2019 Archive
      • March 2019 Archive
      • April 2019 Archive
      • May 2019 Archive
      • June 2019 Archive
      • July 2019 Archive
      • August 2019 Archive
      • September 2019 Archive
      • October 2019 Archive
      • November 2019 Archive
      • December 2019 Archive
    • 2018 Daily Meditations >
      • December 2018 Archive
      • November 2018 Archive
      • October 2018 Archive
      • September 2018 Archive
      • August 2018 Archive
      • July 2018 Archive
      • June 2018 Archive
      • May 2018 Archive
      • April 2018 Archive
      • March 2018 Archive
      • February 2018 Archive
      • January 2018 Archive
    • 2017 Daily Meditations >
      • January 2017 Archive
      • February 2017 Archive
      • March 2017 Archive
      • April 2017 Archive
      • May 2017 Archive
      • June 2017 Archive
      • July 2017 Archive
      • August 2017 Archive
      • September 2017 Archive
      • October 2017 Archive
      • November 2017 Archive
      • December 2017 Archive
  • Special Bible Studies
    • Do you hold a grudge?
    • Have you actually asked for God's help?
    • Sin is the cause of all your problems
    • Amazing Grace!
    • Are you consumed by worry?
    • Is God punishing you?
    • Spiritual Warfare
    • Stubborn?
    • How often do you pray?
    • Have doubts?
    • Who are you listening to?
    • Emotional Black Holes
    • Unanswered prayers?
    • Have you compromised your faith?
    • Life in the pits...
    • Is your life in a rut?
    • Demonic Influences?
    • Let God Ease Your Burdens!
    • Danger of Success
    • Feeling alone
    • Are you broken-hearted?
    • Feel vulnerable?
    • Is God pushing you?
    • Do you lack faith
    • Being Tested
    • Your Place in Heaven
    • Does your past haunt you?
    • Is worldliness creeping into your life?
    • What is acceptable worship?
    • Angry?
    • Spiritual Radar
    • Can you be obedient to God?
    • Courage in the Face of Trials
    • Does Hell Exist
    • A Sin of Omission
    • When Life Gets Crazy
    • When God is Silent
    • Weakness
    • On Death and Dying
    • Feeling Guilty for no Reason?
    • Is wealth damaging your faith?
    • Satans Games
    • Death and Eternal Life
    • Depression
    • Family Problems
    • False Guilt
    • Food Issues
    • A Lack of Forgiveness
    • Frustration
    • Jealousy or Envy
    • Life out of Balance
    • Lying to Yourself or Others
    • Getting Married
    • Missions and Outreach
    • Prayer Life
    • Repentance
    • Sharing the Faith
    • Socialism
    • Stressed out
    • Impatience
    • Too Hard on Yourself
  • Uplifting Video for the Day
  • Videos for Reflection
    • Videos for Reflection 2
    • Videos for Reflection 3
    • Videos for Reflection 4
    • Videos for Reflection 5
    • Videos for Reflection 6
    • Videos for Reflection 7
    • Videos for Reflection 8
    • Videos for Reflection 9
    • Videos for Reflection 10
    • Videos for Reflection 11
    • Videos for Reflection 12
    • Videos for Reflection 13
    • Videos for Reflection 14
    • Videos for Reflection 15
    • Videos for Reflection 16
  • COVID Vaccine
  • Standing up for God
    • Jatya
    • Archbishop Mouche
    • Pastor Andrew Brunson
    • Our Coptic Christian Friends
    • Petr Jasek
  • Bible Challenge Gateway
  • Faith Issues in the Modern World
    • Chinese Communist Party Chooses Catholic Bishops!
    • Christians Attacked by ISIS in Mozambique
    • The Pope Changes Lord's Prayer
    • Museum of the Bible Washington DC USA
    • Persecution at All-Time High
    • Suicide Bombing in Pakistan Christian Church
    • Attack by Muslim terrorists against Egyptian Church
    • Underground Christians in China
    • More Persecution of Chinese Christians
    • The Growing Church in Iran
    • Christian Parenting Failing God
  • Video Studies
    • Video Bible Study Introduction
    • Prayer in the Bible
    • Faith Hebrews 11
  • Walls of Inspiration
    • Wall of Inspiration 1
    • Wall of Inspiration 2
    • Wall of Inspiration 3
    • Wall of Inspiration 4
    • Wall of Inspiration 5
    • Wall of Inspiration 6
    • Wall of Inspiration 7
    • Wall of Inspiration 8
    • Wall of Inspiration 9
    • Wall of Inspiration 10
    • Wall of Inspiration 11
    • Wall of Inspiration 12
    • Wall of Inspiration 13
    • Wall of Inspiration 14
    • Wall of Inspiration 15
    • Wall of Inspiration 16
    • Wall of Inspiration 17
    • Wall of Inspiration 18
    • Wall of Inspiration 19
    • Wall of Inspiration 20
    • Wall of Inspiration 21
  • Bible Helps
  • Stories of God's Power
  • Comments
  • Bible Challenge Badge Earners
  • Yearly Meditations Template

Let God ease your burdens!

Picture

          “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:30, ESV)


 “I read about an instant cake mix that was a big flop. The instructions said all you had to do was add water and bake. The company couldn't understand why it didn't sell -- until their research discovered that the buying public felt uneasy about a mix that required only water. Apparently people thought it was too easy. So the company altered the formula and changed the directions to call for adding an egg to the mix in addition to the water. The idea worked and sales jumped dramatically.
That story reminds me of how some people react to the plan of salvation. To them it sounds too easy and simple to be true, even though the Bible says, "By grace you have been saved through faith...; it is the gift of God, not of works" (Eph. 2:8-9). They feel that there is something more they must do, something they must add to God's "recipe" for salvation. They think they must perform good works to gain God's favor and earn eternal life. But the Bible is clear -- we are saved, "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5).  Unlike the cake-mix manufacturer, God has not changed His "formula" to make salvation more marketable. The gospel we proclaim must be free of works, even though it may sound too easy.”  (R.W.D., “Daily Bread”, June 2, 1992).


I have encountered so many people who thought that making things right with God or accepting Christ was going to be difficult.  Almost all who did so confided in me later that it was so easy and wonderful after letting go of all those burdens they were carrying and just submitting to Jesus.  Compared to the load some people are carrying, salvation may be the most freeing thing they could ever do.  To unburden one’s self spiritually can bring such joy and peace, replacing years and years of guilt-inducing sin and regret. 

Marian was only seventeen when she became pregnant.  The pregnancy was the result of a one-night stand with her prom date.  When Marian missed her period, she hid it from everyone.    The boyfriend who had gotten her pregnant never knew.  Her parents never knew.  Marian went to an older friend with her worries.  Later, she went with the same friend to an abortion clinic and ended the pregnancy. 

Over the years, Marian’s hidden pregnancy and subsequent abortion complicated many things in her life.  Because of the abortion, Marian feared she might not get pregnant again.  That can happen in some cases.  Marian also worried about her parents and family finding out about the pregnancy and abortion, especially since her family was Roman Catholic.   When Marian dated in college, she was very concerned about becoming pregnant.  Despite taking the pill, she worried herself sick between periods.  After marriage to her college sweetheart, Marian hid her past from her husband.  She never told him about the abortion.  She also felt so guilty about the abortion that when she went to mass, she often felt worse afterward.  The guilt of her past weighed greatly on her heart and soul and mind. 

Marian was involved in a wedding at our church.  She enjoyed the way I made the bride and groom’s wedding day special.  She loved our friendly banter at the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Two weeks after the wedding, Marian came in to see me. I thought she might be there to join the church.  After we spoke in my office for only a few minutes, I was shocked to learn about the load of shame Marian was carrying around due to the abortion.  We met together for counseling over several months.  During that time, we talked about her history, her guilt.  She told me everything.  She was tired of carrying such a burden.  She felt awful about lying to her husband and family.  One night, after a particularly difficult session, Marian said she had enough of the pain.  She asked what would help her to deal with it.  I told her that she had dealt with the pain enough.  It was time to let her past go to God and to ask for forgiveness and grace.

  We went to the altar together and prayed.  I helped her ask for forgiveness.  I helped her find the words to say to God.  When we finished the prayer, she looked at me and quietly asked, “Is that it?  Am I forgiven?” 
I responded:  “You do believe in Jesus right?”
“Yes, absolutely!” was her unabashed reply.
“You do believe he died on the cross for your sins, right?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said.
“Then, yes, your sins are forgiven in the name of Jesus Christ!” I said with a smile.
She looked at me and said, “Surely, I have to suffer more for my sin, right?”
I then looked her right in the eye and said, “Haven’t you suffered enough?   Let your sin stay in God’s hands.  It’s done.  No more guilt and shame.  No more carrying that burden.  Jesus’ death on that cross was more than enough to atone for your sin.   Out of love for Jesus, just let it go!”
She looked at me and said in a whisper, “Really?”
I whispered back, “Really!”
She clapped and jumped into my arms for a hug and said, “Thank you and thank Jesus!”
To that I had to say, “Amen!”

Months later, Marian visited me again.  She smiled more.  She seemed lighter on her feet.  She was happy again.  She told me later that she confessed everything to her husband.  He forgave her for hiding everything.  Marian is back to attending mass frequently.  She is a wonderful addition to her church.  She also has a passionate relationship with Jesus that rubs off on so many others.

So many people are burdened with sin and shame.  They do not understand how freeing it is to receive God’s grace.  God does not want us so burdened with fear and guilt and shame and regret that we cannot enjoy the power of God’s freeing Spirit.  Then again, many people like Marian have discovered what Jesus meant by “the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).  They have learned how much lighter the heart can be after forgiveness and grace.  Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 11:30 that His “yoke is easy” and His “burden is light”.  This does not mean that everything in your spiritual life will come up roses or be uncomplicated.  It means that when it comes to true faith, life becomes less complicated when you make things right with God.  When your sins are forgiven and you are walking down the right paths, there are so many burdens that you can give over to God.  You don’t have to make all the decisions.  You just have to obey God.  Let God handle the big picture.  You just hold Jesus’ hand and follow in His footsteps. 

Too many Christians want to overcomplicate what it means to be faithful.  However, faithfulness means just following in Jesus’ footsteps.  Sometimes, it is better to follow Jesus with the innocence of a child instead of complicating it with all the questioning and rationalizations of an adult.  Is it any surprise that in Luke 18:17, Jesus taught that the only way to enter heaven is to receive the Kingdom of God “like a child”?  Don’t overcomplicate your relationship with Jesus.   Being faithful can be easy when you let it!
​
Remember, its incredibly hard to be a liar. You have to remember the lies, who you told them to, how you embellished them, and why you did it. Then, you have to keep those you lied to from comparing notes and discovering the facts.  The truth does set you free from a lot of burdens!

Are you overcomplicating some things in your spiritual life? Are you quick to be honest with Jesus?  Are you weighed down by a series of past mistakes or sins?   Jesus died on the cross for you.  How about letting His sacrifice ease some of your burdens?

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
  • Daily Meditation
  • Past Daily Meditations
    • 2023 Meditations
    • January Meditations >
      • January 1
      • January 4
      • January 6
      • January 9
      • January 11
      • January 13
      • January 15
      • January 17
      • January 20
      • January 22
      • January 24
      • January 26
    • 2022 Meditations
    • December Meditations >
      • December 2
      • December 4
      • December 6
      • December 8
      • December 11
      • December 13
      • December 15
      • December 18
      • December 20
      • December 22
      • December 25
      • December 27
      • December 30
    • November Meditations >
      • November 2
      • November 4
      • November 6
      • November 9
      • November 12
      • November 14
      • November 16
      • November 18
      • November 20
      • November 22
      • November 25
      • November 27
      • November 29
    • October Meditations >
      • October 3
      • October 5
      • October 7
      • October 12
      • October 14
      • October 16
      • October 19
      • October 21
      • October 25
      • October 27
      • October 29
      • October 31
    • September Meditations >
      • September 1
      • September 3
      • September 6
      • September 8
      • September 10
      • September 12
      • September 14
      • September 16
      • September 18
      • September 21
      • September 23
      • September 26
      • September 28
    • August Meditations >
      • August 2
      • August 5
      • August 7
      • August 9
      • August 12
      • August 14
      • August 16
      • August 18
      • August 20
      • August 22
      • August 24
      • August 27
      • August 30
    • July 2022 Meditations
    • June 2022 Meditations
    • May 2022 Meditations
    • April 2022 Meditations
    • March 2022 Meditations
    • February 2022 Meditatons
    • 2021 Meditations >
      • January 2021 Meditations
      • February 2021 Meditations
      • March 2021 Meditations
      • April 2021 Meditations
      • May 2021 Meditations
      • June 2021 Meditations
      • July 2021 Meditations
      • August 2021 Meditations
      • September 2021 Meditations
      • October 2021 Meditations
      • November 2021 Meditations
      • December 2021 Meditations
    • 2020 Daily Meditations >
      • January 2020 Archive
      • February 2020 Archive
      • March 2020 Archive
      • April 2020 Archive
      • May 2020 Archive
      • June 2020 Archive
      • July 2020 Archive
      • August 2020 Archive
      • September 2020 Archive
      • October 2020 Archive
      • November 2020 Archive
      • December 2020 Archive
    • 2019 Daily Meditations >
      • January 2019 Archive
      • February 2019 Archive
      • March 2019 Archive
      • April 2019 Archive
      • May 2019 Archive
      • June 2019 Archive
      • July 2019 Archive
      • August 2019 Archive
      • September 2019 Archive
      • October 2019 Archive
      • November 2019 Archive
      • December 2019 Archive
    • 2018 Daily Meditations >
      • December 2018 Archive
      • November 2018 Archive
      • October 2018 Archive
      • September 2018 Archive
      • August 2018 Archive
      • July 2018 Archive
      • June 2018 Archive
      • May 2018 Archive
      • April 2018 Archive
      • March 2018 Archive
      • February 2018 Archive
      • January 2018 Archive
    • 2017 Daily Meditations >
      • January 2017 Archive
      • February 2017 Archive
      • March 2017 Archive
      • April 2017 Archive
      • May 2017 Archive
      • June 2017 Archive
      • July 2017 Archive
      • August 2017 Archive
      • September 2017 Archive
      • October 2017 Archive
      • November 2017 Archive
      • December 2017 Archive
  • Special Bible Studies
    • Do you hold a grudge?
    • Have you actually asked for God's help?
    • Sin is the cause of all your problems
    • Amazing Grace!
    • Are you consumed by worry?
    • Is God punishing you?
    • Spiritual Warfare
    • Stubborn?
    • How often do you pray?
    • Have doubts?
    • Who are you listening to?
    • Emotional Black Holes
    • Unanswered prayers?
    • Have you compromised your faith?
    • Life in the pits...
    • Is your life in a rut?
    • Demonic Influences?
    • Let God Ease Your Burdens!
    • Danger of Success
    • Feeling alone
    • Are you broken-hearted?
    • Feel vulnerable?
    • Is God pushing you?
    • Do you lack faith
    • Being Tested
    • Your Place in Heaven
    • Does your past haunt you?
    • Is worldliness creeping into your life?
    • What is acceptable worship?
    • Angry?
    • Spiritual Radar
    • Can you be obedient to God?
    • Courage in the Face of Trials
    • Does Hell Exist
    • A Sin of Omission
    • When Life Gets Crazy
    • When God is Silent
    • Weakness
    • On Death and Dying
    • Feeling Guilty for no Reason?
    • Is wealth damaging your faith?
    • Satans Games
    • Death and Eternal Life
    • Depression
    • Family Problems
    • False Guilt
    • Food Issues
    • A Lack of Forgiveness
    • Frustration
    • Jealousy or Envy
    • Life out of Balance
    • Lying to Yourself or Others
    • Getting Married
    • Missions and Outreach
    • Prayer Life
    • Repentance
    • Sharing the Faith
    • Socialism
    • Stressed out
    • Impatience
    • Too Hard on Yourself
  • Uplifting Video for the Day
  • Videos for Reflection
    • Videos for Reflection 2
    • Videos for Reflection 3
    • Videos for Reflection 4
    • Videos for Reflection 5
    • Videos for Reflection 6
    • Videos for Reflection 7
    • Videos for Reflection 8
    • Videos for Reflection 9
    • Videos for Reflection 10
    • Videos for Reflection 11
    • Videos for Reflection 12
    • Videos for Reflection 13
    • Videos for Reflection 14
    • Videos for Reflection 15
    • Videos for Reflection 16
  • COVID Vaccine
  • Standing up for God
    • Jatya
    • Archbishop Mouche
    • Pastor Andrew Brunson
    • Our Coptic Christian Friends
    • Petr Jasek
  • Bible Challenge Gateway
  • Faith Issues in the Modern World
    • Chinese Communist Party Chooses Catholic Bishops!
    • Christians Attacked by ISIS in Mozambique
    • The Pope Changes Lord's Prayer
    • Museum of the Bible Washington DC USA
    • Persecution at All-Time High
    • Suicide Bombing in Pakistan Christian Church
    • Attack by Muslim terrorists against Egyptian Church
    • Underground Christians in China
    • More Persecution of Chinese Christians
    • The Growing Church in Iran
    • Christian Parenting Failing God
  • Video Studies
    • Video Bible Study Introduction
    • Prayer in the Bible
    • Faith Hebrews 11
  • Walls of Inspiration
    • Wall of Inspiration 1
    • Wall of Inspiration 2
    • Wall of Inspiration 3
    • Wall of Inspiration 4
    • Wall of Inspiration 5
    • Wall of Inspiration 6
    • Wall of Inspiration 7
    • Wall of Inspiration 8
    • Wall of Inspiration 9
    • Wall of Inspiration 10
    • Wall of Inspiration 11
    • Wall of Inspiration 12
    • Wall of Inspiration 13
    • Wall of Inspiration 14
    • Wall of Inspiration 15
    • Wall of Inspiration 16
    • Wall of Inspiration 17
    • Wall of Inspiration 18
    • Wall of Inspiration 19
    • Wall of Inspiration 20
    • Wall of Inspiration 21
  • Bible Helps
  • Stories of God's Power
  • Comments
  • Bible Challenge Badge Earners
  • Yearly Meditations Template