I know I have said it often, but once again I say, “Life is hard!” 

Recently in prayer, I was telling God that life is overwhelming and the burdens are so heavy. My extended family is facing so many heartbreaking situations from ALS to cancer to Alzheimer’s. My older brother is having memory issues. He has two daughters, one is battling ALS, and the other is battling colon cancer. Their mom is stretched thin trying to keep up with all the needs. The golden years are not so golden for them right now.

I have five living siblings, and the above is the circumstance for one of them. That is just one situation and does not include health issues being faced by my other siblings. Life is hard! Burdens are heavy.

Jesus addressed one of the things with which so many deal today – heavy burdens. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

This passage should be a breath of fresh air. In a world that is exhausting with its toil, demands, and trials, God has a different way for His people. His way is life-giving, and it allows us to experience the fullness of life. 

Often, we hear this taught a little differently than what Jesus actually said, or we ourselves kind of misread this scripture. Jesus did not say come to me, and your burden will be gone immediately. Come to me, and you will not have to bear anything. That is not quite what He said. Jesus invited us to yoke up with Him, which makes our burden lighter because we do not carry it alone. When we are daily yoked with the Living God, we go where He goes; we stop where He stops. He is in control.

Each of us faces heavy burdens at times in our lives. As God’s children, each of us also has access to the power of God to help us through challenging times and to bring peace and joy into our lives. Sometimes the help comes by removal of the burden. Many times, the promised rest and peace come into our lives even though the burden is still present.

I wish I could promise you that you will never have another burden in your life. I wish I could promise you that you will never feel heaviness again. I cannot. I can invite you to walk with the burden lightener. Jesus said, “Is it feeling like too much for you to manage? Is the burden destructive to your peace? Then come and attach to my yoke. I will be gentle with you, and not beat you over the head. He says, “Come. I will carry the burden with you and lighten your load and give you peace and rest.”

That is a great offer. That is an offer I will take right now. How about you?