Are You Ready to Lay Your Burden Down?

“What burden are you carrying? I tell you with confidence, there is one person waiting who is willing to help you lay it down.”

There are millions of people carrying such heavy burdens all across our world. They cannot sleep at night and wake up tired. They have regular appointments with their counselors. Hobbies and exercise are strategies to find relief. Drugs and alcohol are an escape. Screen time with social media is a diversion from the pressure. What burden are you carrying and for how long? Can I tell you that there is someone who is willing to help you with your burden? I know you have heard of Him – Jesus. (Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay)

Once He was invited to dinner at a religious leader’s home where other guests also came. Together they sat down to eat and began visiting. At the time, Jesus’ fame as a preacher had spread, and so word circulated quickly where He was. A certain prostitute who had heard of Jesus, learned of His whereabouts. She made her way to the house, managed to get inside and found herself standing before Jesus and the other guests. She stood without saying a word and then began weeping. So much, that her tears fell on Jesus’ feet. Seeing that, she bent down and began to wipe the tears off with her hair.

During the whole process, the religious leaders were incensed at the woman and Jesus. Noticing this, Jesus spoke to the dinner host, addressing his attitude toward her, then turned back to the woman and said, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48) That angered the leaders even more. Then He spoke one final word before she humbly slipped out, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

The prostitute was looking for something, just like all the guests in the room were. But when she heard of Jesus, something awakened inside her that no doubt said, “This is it!” And she overcame the barriers before her to get to Jesus, and when she came to Him, He did not disappoint.

She found forgiveness for all the wrongs she had done. The guilt and shame she had been trying to outrun was finally washed away.

And how did that happen? Faith.

It is interesting to note, what Jesus did not say. He did not refer to anything about religion, morality, goodness or education. Just faith. He did not mention personal will-power, having a positive attitude, perseverance or working hard. Just faith. And what is faith? It was the woman’s complete and total trust in Jesus, which she demonstrated through her coming to Him. She did not care what others thought or how difficult it might be. She was willing to make a fool of herself to get to Jesus. Whatever it took. With the deepest conviction she knew He could give her what she was searching for, yet she received something so much greater.

We are all naturally wired to be independent. We see this when we need something, for we will figure out a way to get it. It might come through hard work and determination, or through more nefarious means like stealing, manipulation or deceit. Either way, by ethical or unethical channels, we will get it.

Faith in Jesus is opposite. The woman did not trust in herself or others, but demonstrated a desperate and determined faith in Christ, and consequently, her life was instantly transformed. She came believing that her life of prostitution was wrong. She was willing to leave it behind and came to Christ in humbleness, seeking His mercy, for she knew He could save her. She was confident Jesus was sufficient for all she needed.

Follow this woman’s example. In resolute and unwavering faith, lay your burden down at Jesus’ feet and receive His forgiveness and peace.

A prayer for you - Lord God, I pray you will help people to come to you and lay their burdens down. May they stop trying to carry it themselves, doing it their way. Let them realize you are sufficient for all their needs. Help them to stop trying, and start trusting, trusting fully in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.