Devotional: Carry Jesus’ Burden

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:29-30‬ ‭CSB‬‬

As I’ve settled into life in Oregon, I’m making new friends and looking for ways to connect. But why is it so difficult to find time for genuine connection with others? It might be because, as soon as we pull out our calendars to schedule a coffee date, we point out with a sense of pride how busy we are as we scroll weeks out in advance.

It doesn't have to be this way.

I am all about getting things done, but am I so arrogant to think results only happen when they rest on my shoulders? That is an enormous burden to carry. How do I know when it's time to take action and when to rest?

What if the answer lies in both and? Jesus doesn’t tell me to stop doing the work here on earth that he lays out before us. In this scripture, he invites us to share the burden with him so we can do it together. What if this is how we avoid burnout?

I enjoy breaking away for camping and hiking jaunts. Detaching from work and screens reminds me the world will continue to turn without my involvement. 

This reminder of how involved he is in my work brings me comfort and life as I continue to press into what he has me doing during this season.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you don’t expect me to do life on my own apart from you. I invite you to take these burdens today and carry them with me. May I be a carrier of your burdens alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.