Session 8

Are you carrying too much?

From Matthew: A 28-Day Devotional

Do you unload all the groceries in one trip? Loading way more than you should on each arm, you awkwardly and barely close the trunk. Bag handles cut into your arms. You can make it. Just a little longer. If you are a one-trip unloader, you know the relief you feel when you make it to your destination, or better yet, someone meets you and takes some of your load.

Have you tried the same trick spiritually?

I can handle all this on my own.

I can carry the weight of my sin, my sorrow, my to do list.

Yes, it hurts. I should ask for help, but I can do this.

Carrying a load of groceries is probably not going to cause any more damage than a broken jar. Carrying our sin or sorrow is more serious. We cannot do it. It is too heavy for us. Thankfully, we don’t have to. Jesus is ready to take our heavy load. Only He has the power to heal our hearts from the damage done by sin and sorrow. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Here are a few ways to give our load to Him.

Ask Him to forgive your sins and give Him control in your life (Romans 10:9-10). Spend time each day talking to God and reading the Bible. This is how our mind is renewed and we learn to rest in Him. Talk to someone else who loves Jesus when you are dealing with sin or hurting (Galatians 6:2). God places people in our lives to support our growth. Don’t beat yourself up when you mess up. Ask God to forgive you and remember you are forgiven. Focus on Jesus instead of your sin (Romans 8:1).

Reflect

• Have you given control of your life to Jesus? 
• What's one load you are trying to carry on your own that you need Jesus' help with? Tell Him how you're feeling and ask for His help today.