The Weight...

It seems like this year has seen more than it's share of trouble. We've lost at least six people in our church or with ties to our church. Many people are struggling with health issues or illness. Others have financial difficulties. Unfortunately this is all part of what is known as "life". The rain falls on the good and the bad alike, so to ask why is kind of a futile question. However, although we may get more than we can bear, the truth is that we don't have to bear it. God will carry our burdens for us if we let Him. And to take our minds off our troubles, we should praise Him, in good times and bad, even if we don't feel like it.

I will praise you, my God and King and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery! Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will bless you. They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom; they will celebrate examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule generation after generation. The Lord is faithful in all He says; He is gracious in all He does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads. All eyes look to you for help; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love Him, but He destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord, and everyone on earth will bless His holy name forever and forever. (Psalm 145, NLT)

God wants to carry our burdens for us. Jesus told us that His yoke "fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:29) Why do we wear ourselves out trying to carry these loads ourselves? I know that I am guilty of this--I keep thinking that the problems I have are too insignificant or that I can handle them, so no need to bother God with them. I seem to forget that He has the better plan than I do. What joy for those who let God carry their burdens!