Before my day started, I desperately fell on my knees on my bedroom floor, squeezed my eyes shut, and cried out loud, “Lord, help me, help me, help me.” A second later I heard, “My burden is light.”
My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
~Matthew 11:30 NIV
A Heavy Burden
A family members reckless decision baffled me. Now, how was I supposed to act? What would this mean for other family members? A myriad of thoughts swirled about in my head. My anger, angst, and fear spiraled like a swinging bridge swept by a gust of wind over a deep cavern.
What does Jesus mean when He says His burden is light? The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for burden is massa and refers to either a physical burden, as in a donkey’s burden, or an emotional or spiritual burden, as when Moses bore the burden of the people. The Greek word in the New Testament for burden is phortion, referring either to the burden of legalism (Matt. 23:4), or a man’s imperfections.
In ancient times, farmers used a wooden yoke joining an older ox with a younger ox in hopes to train the new ox. The older, stronger ox took the burden of the weight and set the pace, while the younger one followed side by side, staying on course with the older one. I had forgotten I was in a yoke-relationship with Jesus. What a relief to think I could place myself back into His yoke rather than running off by myself. Jesus, is the one who bears the weight of the problems I can’t solve.
A Light Burden
The Greek word for easy is chrestos, which can mean well-fitting. God always gives me the right fit in life. I trust there is nothing He and I can’t bear together. But my attitude and heart posture were all wrong. Letting go was my problem. Hanging on gave me the illusion I could control to ensure things would work out. “No, no,” Jesus said, “I’m gentle and humble.” In other words, you need to lower yourself. Fear and pride don’t fit into this yoke togetherness. I needed to let go of the responsibility I tried to take for this person. My breathing slowed, and my mind steadied as I placed my trust back in Jesus.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
~1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Let Jesus carry the burden because He cares.
Lord, I am so desperate for you. I submit myself to Your will. Remind me You are by my side, as Lord over all the world, my people, and my circumstances. Help me to stay under the yoke with you, relying on You and not myself to plow and prepare what needs to happen. Help me come before my family and friends with humility and gentleess, even as You have done this for me. You carry the burden.
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