Hand Over Your Burden

I can remember seeing that phrase a number of times in a number of different places. It sounds so simple, but if you really dig down and look into what God wants in a relationship with us, the phrase is entirely accurate.

Of course, it's easy to lose sight of that at times, especially if you're like me. I'm getting better at bringing my problems to God through prayer, and trusting that he will relieve me of my burdens and give me direction through difficult times, but I still have times when I forget to do that, and I hold it all in.

I've never been one to take my problems to other people, I don't complain about my problems and I certainly don't dump them on anybody else. I don't tolerate whining in my house and a big reason why I don't communicate problems I'm having to others is because it's always sounded like whining to me. I also don't like attention, and I don't like for others to know my problems. I'd just assume to keep them personal.

It's worked for me, because I have been good at remembering to bring these issues to God during the many times I find myself openly praying for whatever reason. But recently, I lost track of that again, and resorted back to old ways. It wasn't pretty. I let the pot boil over with all of the things I was holding back, and when it finally started spilling out, I was a wreck, emotionally, physically - and worst of all - spiritually. I was unpleasant to everybody, even those closest to me, I felt like crud, and I finally just had to let my wife know, in the middle of a crowded grocery store, that I'd let it get out of control.

For those of you who are like me, and don't like to burden your friends and  family with your problems, or maybe you have trouble communicating your feeling to others (another of my annoying traits), there is ALWAYS somebody you can talk to without feeling embarassed. God is always there to listen and take your troubles from you.

The words of Jesus found in John 14 say this: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home."

GOD WANTS YOUR BURDENS. He already knows what is troubling your heart, but also wants to see that you are willing  to trust Him in times of hardship. If you're carrying around your troubles and burdens, and feel like you have nobody to talk to, TALK TO GOD. He is the only one who can take your troubles away.