LAYING BURDENS DOWN

March 12, 2026

Matthew 11:28, on laying burdens down.

B.L.O.G.:  I know --- it's been a couple weeks since I posted one of these. For this feature, the articles come as the LESSONS come.  As I understand them more clearly . . .

This week, my lesson in obedience came as a reminder --- of something God has been teaching me for a while now.  Some days, it seems, I am a pretty slow    study . . .

Matthew 11:28 tells us: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." ~ KJV

Seems pretty straight forward, right?  When we're tired or worried, we should run to Jesus.  He will help us rest; help us relax.  Basically, that's what I always thought it meant --- rest when I'm worn out.

As my walk with God has grown deeper, however, I've begun to see surrender here, also.  To see it as a sort of call to obedience.  The NIV translation uses the words "weary" and "burdened".  Think about the kinds of things that make you feel weary or burdened.

I have discovered that there are a lot of them.  Most of those make me feel weighted down --- which is exhausting. Fear.  Worry.  Dragging around old hurts or regrets.  Anger.  Disappointments.  Resentment.  Hate.  Bitterness.  The list goes on and on.

Each item on that list is a burden which God never meant for me to carry alone.  In many cases, they are weights that I VOLUNTEER to carry.  And, in ALL cases, they steal my energy and my joy.

I have come to believe that --- in this passage --- Jesus is asking me to bring ALL of those burdens to HIM.  To lay them down, and take up HIS way of walking through life.  Take a look at the NIV version of the next two verses:

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

'Rest for your souls." Wow! that sounds pretty good to me!  Each day, I try to get myself to remember this lesson.  To obey this gentle nudge from my Savior.  To lay down the heavy weights I've always carried.

If I succeed, my soul really does find rest.  I feel a lightness in my spirit and I have the joyful energy to do whatever He asks of me today!  That's a pretty good reason to obey, don't ya' think?

To His Glory . . . BJ