The most recent too-heavy thing I attempted to carry was an old TV (the non-flat, anciently bulbous kind) that we inherited from my husband’s grandfather.
We just moved into a new house and the thing is, other than its girth, it’s a perfectly good TV, and also, I like to get things done quickly and also-also, I don’t like asking for help. I enjoy the feeling of self-sufficiency. I love doing things I shouldn’t be able to do and then going to sleep at night thinking, I did that thing. I carried that giant Y2K-era TV up the stairs all by myself despite the fact that I haven’t worked out in over ten years!
My dad jokes that the women in my family get things done by sheer force. Of course, that approach is significantly limited. Someday I’ll encounter a TV that’s too big for me. My strength, no matter how much I prefer self-sufficiency, doesn’t go very far. And when it comes to spiritual and emotional burdens, my limitations, and yours, are even more obvious. We can all think of times we’ve tried to carry the burden of our sin or suffering alone, and it just doesn’t work. We fall back down the stairs and our decades-old, TV-sized shame, pins us to the floor.
Here’s the problem—believing you can carry things that are too heavy for you, be it a television the size of a small train or a secret sin, is an illusion that will eventually destroy you. Crush you. Put you on your back or on your knees.
Something I find beautiful about today’s reading is how humble obedience, gentle love, and Christ-focused service are tied into our joy! The Bible makes a big deal about humble, holy living because we serve a holy God who humbled Himself and bent down to carry the things we could not. It’s amazing. We are broken human beings, not capable of carrying the weight of sin. But, incredibly, Jesus stooped to meet us and died to free us so that we could have His power.
Today’s passages urge us to love people from a place of humility. Of gentleness. Of openness. Of service.
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
If you’re like me, you might be thinking, “I don’t want people to carry my burdens. That means I’m weak!” But, God tells us yes, we are absolutely weak. That’s why we need Him. That’s why we need each other. Put down the TV. You are not alone.
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93 thoughts on "Carrying Burdens"
Confession is difficult and scary. I am not good at it and need to be better.
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. – Romans 14:17
“ the bible makes a big deal about humble , holy living because we serve a holy God who humbled Himself and bent down to carry the things we could not . “
wow! wow! wow!
“ the bible makes a big deal about humble , holy living because we serve a holy God who humbled Himself and bent down to carry the things we could not . “
I loved the phrase “Put down the TV!” Such a reminder that we can’t do things on our own.
Loving this for us
Hi Melinda! I am praying, God will bring you a friend who will support you and love on you. I pray against comparison (it is thief of joy), envy that robs us of our unique identity, meaningful and deep connection. I pray you continue to meet daily with Christ and let Him fill you up in all the empty places. He would fill you with His confidence and feel secure in who He created you to be: God makes all things beautiful and you are beautiful in him, a working progress! I pray you trust Christ that His plans are for your good and not to harm you. To be grateful for the little things and cherish your baby. Look for something good in each day.
I had ppd and it lies to you. It makes you feel worthless, you don’t matter, you feel unseen, misunderstood, you have nothing to contribute, you are needy, undeserving, lacking confidence to be assertive. All lies. In Christ you are deeply loved just as you are and have a bright future. Keep talking to God! He is active and always working. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:12-14, 27 NIV
Hi Melinda! I am praying, God will bring you a friend who will support you and love on you. I pray against comparison (it is thief of joy), envy that robs us of meaningful and deep connection, and pride as God opposes the proud. I pray you continue to meet daily with Christ and let Him fill you up in all the empty places. He would fill you with His confidence. God makes all things beautiful and you are beautiful in him, a working progress! I pray you trust Christ that His plans are for your good and not to harm you. To be grateful for the little things and cherish your baby. Look for something good in each day.
I had ppd and it lies to you. It makes you feel worthless, you don’t matter, you feel unseen, misunderstood, you have nothing to contribute, you are needy, undeserving. All lies. In Christ you are deeply loved just as you are and have a bright future. Keep talking to God! He is active and always working.
Hi Melinda! I am praying, God will bring you a friend who will support you and love on you. I pray against comparison (it is thief of joy), envy that robs us of meaningful and deep connection, and pride as God opposes the proud. I pray you continue to meet daily with Christ and let Him fill you up in all the empty places. He would fill you with His confidence. God makes all things beautiful and you are beautiful in him, a working progress! I pray you trust Christ that His plans are for your good and not to harm you. To be grateful for the little things and cherish your baby.
I’ll be praying for you Melinda!
I heard from wise women that if we, as women, don’t allow others to help and serve us, we are denying others blessings and service in love. It was a woah moment for me and changed my thinking on allowing help to come my way, because I know I love to help others and be blessed by it.
Yes, amen! So good—I feel the same!
I hear you Melinda. I have always struggled with making friends, especially in church. Reaching out is so hard. Pray and put one foot in front of the other. God will give you nudges and ins – be faithful and obedient to those. A friend won’t drop into your lap, but I bet he has someone out their who is ready for your friendship.
Three times in my life I have had the sense to pray diligently for friends. And each time the Lord has blessed me with a friendship that was more than I could have asked for. He recently gave me the most wonderful group of ladies to be in community with, but I fought joining in for a long time out of shyness.
I hear you Melinda. I have always struggled with making friends, especially in church. Reaching out is so hard. Pray and put one foot in front of the other. God will give you nudges and ins – be faithful and obedient to those. A friend won’t drop into your lap, but I bet he has someone out their who is ready for your friendship.
One of my greatest sins that I struggle with daily is the need to be self sufficient and my pride. This message reminds me that my self sufficiency is not something to be proud of, that God knows I can’t do it myself, that He’s just waiting from me to realize it and admit it.
Hi! I’ve never posted before but God has been showing me how much I hide from fellowship and that I have some deep wounds I’ve never dealt with. Fellow believers are such a gift to us that I’ve been avoiding for fear of hurt again. But that’s not what awaits me when I step into fellowship anymore. How freeing!
❤️
This is my first SRT study and I am amazed at the love and support I have read here over the last week. You have blessed my life. Thank you all for building one another up.
This is GOOD!
Could I ask for prayers for a friend for me? I have always struggled with anxiety, comparison and low self esteem and when I was pregnant and postpartum with ppd those traits became overwhelming. I live in a isolated place and didn’t have any close friends (my husband is a farmer and was gone late every day doing spring field work) and a poor relationship with my family and too much pride to allow my in laws to help and I struggled through so much darkness by myself before I gave up social media and gave myself the time and mental space to renew my relationship with christ. We are part of a wonderful church and there’s so many people there I admire and would like to get to know but I don’t know how to reach out and make friends. My baby is 2.5 now and I feel so called to have another baby but I am having a hard time giving up my fears to God and trusting that He will carry me through another pregnancy and that even if it’s hard he will be good.
“Put down the TV!” A very good reminder to breathe, stand still and know that God is in control.
I am one of those people that try to be there for everyone but it’s hard for me to ask others I ask God to give me strength ,courage & wisdom to handle this or that, I don’t ask others I need to work on that
I really needed this reading today
I’m just so reminded by this of the role of the church…may we love one another well as we continue to carry each other’s burdens.
Exactly. I always found this to also be a gift of motherhood. Well put as always Churchmouse.
May we all remain steadfast in our faithfulness. For Gods promises are true.
All the underlines in these pages. Love this study! And sad it’s already halfway through.
Margaret W thank you for sharing your story here. It is really amazing what God can do. We too had a miracle with our conception, even with IVF our chances were not super great that they would find a good egg. My doctor thought he could maybe get six eggs, and one good egg, which would have about a 25% chance of being a viable embryo at the end. We got three beautiful healthy embryos at the end which blew him away. I told him I had been praying since starting injections and God gave us what can only be described as a miracle response as I had a condition that made my eggs not so good going into it. God is in fact bigger than lab tests or diagnoses, it was illuminating and awesome as a physician myself to see that.
As women we find difficulty in asking for help for ourselves, even praying for ourselves. We must learn to try and lay our burdens at His feet and take the help he sends. This is so hard. At 65 I wish I had learned this lesson much earlier.
My life is so blessed by each of you ladies commenting on the scriptures and devotionals. God bless you all! I am praying for your family to be comforted Traci. My deepest condolences on the loss of Tanner. He now rests with Jesus, without pain, or worry, in a beautifully restored heavenly body. Prayers for you, Churchmouse, in the difficulties you endure because of COVID. My church has a mask mandate and socially distanced areas of the church that we all respect. I get tired of wearing a mask but when I think of you, I know it is the right thing to do. My love to all you She’s. I pray over our entire group for those requesting prayer and those not yet ready to speak up.
I want to let you all know what a feeling of peace that I have had. I know that is completely from God. Tanner’s body was failing him so much in the last year, that I picture him happy now. I always was so fearful of losing him and thought I’d completely be broken. I can say that all have you have helped with my burden. Thank you
I also am very independent. Just this morning I was carrying a basket full of cleaning products down the stairs. It was quite heavy and I thought I was being foolish. Did that stop me?? No. I could have easily waited for my husband to carry it tonight. My husband has carried so much of my burden in planning a service for Tanner. So many have made it so much easier to get through this time. I’m so grateful and I let them. That is a miracle in itself. My nephews wife wanted to go back to Illinois for Tanner’s celebration of life service, but they have a new dog. She asked her dad to stay with him so she could go. He said no. They live an hour away. I was so surprised by that. Then I thought would I want to watch a dog. Probably not, but under the circumstance I really hope that I would have said yes. I will be looking for the ways I can help others and challenging the response that I give to them.
JANE K – Oh my goodness! I always read Psalm 91:4 back in my 30’s. I just mentioned it to someone recently and to see it here under your comment!
My thought was do I really confess my sins to another. Sometimes I do, but not always. I pray for that safe person I feel comfortable to be real with. I admit I have not been available to help others in time of burden, but I was so consumed with helping my son. I hope to improve on this.
I have been a follower of Christ now since 1997. For a few years between 2012 and 2017 I started alienating myself from my Christian friends and doing more secular things. Thinking that it was okay, I’ve been a Christian for a long time I won’t give into temptation. Well guess what, the saying about a frog in a pot of water slowly heating up, well that was me. But God got my attention in December of 2017 and my sisters in Christ were still ever so faithful in our relationships that God just used them to strengthen me and draw me back to Him. I can’t even begin to imagine doing life without my sweet sisters in Christ. You ladies on here really encourage me too, especially Churchmouse and Tina. Love to you all…….
May we all carry each other’s burdens without complaining. Asking for help and showing our weakness is such a beautiful thing.. it gives Jesus a chance to work on us
The verse “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” really spoke to me. We tend to put ourselves on a pedestal too much in our culture… when, in reality, compared to God, we are dust. But that shouldn’t make us upset.. it’s a good thing because that means we get to depend on God more.. something we should all be doing. In the same breath, in reality, we all are burdens on Jesus… but that isn’t anything to be upset about in the end either… because to Him we are burdens WORTH carrying. So, please don’t worry about burdening others.. its a good thing because when we carry each other’s burdens, and pray for one another…. we are healed. I love Jesus so much!!!
“Let us therefore follow after the things which makes for peace.” This world is in such a desperate need for peace, which we all know will come when Jesus finally comes back. Until then, may we all act as vessels for God.. so he can spread peace through us.
I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying peace for you and a friend to walk through this with you.
I am so sorry to hear this. I will be praying peace for you and for a friend that can walk through this with you.
As I read the verses in James 5:14-15, I was reminded of my 3rd pregnancy in the fall of 1999. I had 2 sons who were premature, one significantly disabled by his prematurity. I read these verses, took them literally, and asked the elders at my church to anoint me and pray that I would carry this child to term. I had never taken such a step of faith before, and even the pastor was unsure of my request. But they honored it, anointed me, and prayed for me. Not only did I carry that child to term, but she has two younger sisters who also carried to term, one of them 41 weeks, weighing over 9 lbs. (My first was under 3 lbs, 12 weeks early.) Today I am convicted that I need to share this miracle story far more often, and especially to make sure that ALL of my children hear it and know that it was something only God could do, because the odds of carrying to term after 2 preemies are about 30%. God did it not once, but three times for me! Praise Him!
I forgot to ask for prayer for the issue I’ve been struggling with aside from my pride and wanting to hold onto my independence! Many of you here know my story – we had a miscarriage in April of this year after finally getting pregnant after over a year of trying which devastated me. God saw fit to answer our prayers with a baby which we conceived via IVF in July. I am currently 22 weeks by God’s grace, doing well, feeling little kicks and flips, but for SOME reason I am still battling this anxiety that I feel is not of God. Please pray for this spirit of fear to leave me once and for all, and for me to be able to continue focusing on enjoying this blessing and not to let the enemy steal my peace or joy on this matter. Thank you all so much
What a perfectly timed devotional and Bible selections today. Just the other day I had an errant thought that caught me by surprise yet illuminated something I knew was there but had not quite understood. Like many here I like to help others, but I struggle with having others share my burden, thinking there is enough pain in this world why would I ask others to help me with mine? Underneath that even is something like what Melanie mentioned- fear of being disappointed. Underneath that is fear of feeling “obligated” to those who help me. I was raised to be extremely independent, and though others have helped me tremendously through my life I still struggle with the concept. I will be praying for all our hearts on this issue. Jas I am sorry to hear about your baby. I am praying for you in this is well. Mari V I am praying for your work situation. I hope your son has fun in SLO, it’s not too far from me here in Ventura county !
Oh, Jas, dear sister, prayers are being cried out before our Lord today. Thank you for sharing with us. You are carrying a heavy load and I am praying for healing for your baby too.
I think I highlighted my whole study book! I love the book of James, and today this loudly stood out, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in it’s effect.” Am I pursuing righteousness in all areas of my life? Do I have some things I need to confess before God? I’m pondering those thoughts today. Praying for you, Traci, and your family. This verse came to my mind while praying for you, “He will cover you in His feathers under His wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4 Praying for all the requests I have written down this week and praising God for answered prayers! Thankful ERB that you have relief and healing. It makes me smile throughout my day. Also praising God for bringing Churchmouse back to us. I have missed you. It is hunting opener in Wisconsin this weekend. Please pray our hunters would be safe. It is my least favorite time of the year, but my husband and daughters will be out hunting.
This was so good. Especially after my day yesterday
I think I highlighted my whole study book! I love the book of James, and today this loudly stood out, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in it’s effect.” Am I pursuing righteousness in all areas of my life? Do I have some things I need to confess before God? I’m pondering those thoughts today. Praying for you, Traci, and your family. This verse came to my mind while praying for you, “He will cover you in His feathers under His wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4
@Taylor, GO and have fun! Have fun being young! My son, just this morning, left for a weekend trip to SLO for a Friendsgiving weekend’s . They’ve been doing this for the past 4 years. Each year they want to make it better and better. So this year they went to the beach. so I encourage you to go and make those lifetime friends.
Praying for all your requests today – and for the SRT sister who felt her prayer need was to small compared to some of the others — don’t ever think that! Nothing is ever to big or to SMALL to share or for God to bend His ear toward. He cares about every single detail of our lives, so much so that He searches us – to the inner depths our hearts. (Psalm 139:1)
This morning I was praying with a friend who shared a prayer request for her family – sadly Satan has used this whole “to vax” or “not to vax” issue once again divide families. We as believers must set the example. I know it’s not speaking of this per say, but the Romans passage made me think of this whole debate. In the case of whether or not to be vaccinated, it is neither right nor wrong. We must each do what we believe God would have us to do, individually. What might be right for me, might not be right for someone else and vice versa. And we must take heed not to judge others for their decisions, but remember, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking (or vax)ing or not) but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) May we all choose peace and joy in the Spirit as we carry others burdens and share ours.
A blessed weekend to you all! Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful fall weather! ❤️
@lisa z I can completely relate. Your prayer is also my prayer today. Thank you for that. @jas I am so sorry and I am praying for you and your sweet baby! Thank you for sharing. || praying for all you sisters today!! ❤️
Today’s study is very convicting to me. I find it difficult to share when hard things are happening to me and my family, but I know by experience that sharing these burdens, lessens the weight of them.
Church Mouse – your post really spoke to me. “…And with my eyes off of me, my burdens seem lighter as well.”
Jas – I will be praying for you. Your reaction to is similar to mine when tragic things have happened In my family.
Taylor – I have been praying for you and will continue to as you are obedient.
PS: my son is now 20 years old. And is best friends with my friend G’s son whose is also 20 years old. They’ve grown up together. God is good!
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” Gal 6:2. I am thankful for my friend G and M who have come along recently to carry yet another burden with me. Life at work has been a little challenging. Like I said recently, I remain steadfast. Not because of me but because of Christ. My Jesus gets all the glory. And I need the strength of the Holy Spirit to persevere. I’m so glad I’m not doing this alone. This verse also reminded me of a very sweet moment when my son who was about two years old maybe three years old was being interviewed after watching a short film called “Bible Boat” produced and filmed by my friend G’s husband. After watching this, my son accepted Jesus in his heart. And he was being interviewed to tell his story on how this sweet little film impacted his young little life.
Bless you, JAS! Good for you for reaching out here. I will add you two to my prayer list and part of those prayers will be that you will find someone to share your burdens with. The great news is that God is always with us and will provide. Hang in there and step out as God leads. Hugs to you, beautiful momma!!
Dear Tracy. What an honor to share the burden of Tanner’s passing. May you feel us srt sisters holding you up.
This study has been very convicting. I have been so offended by my Christian brothers and sisters from the church to which we belonged. My offense is a sin. The kingdom of God is not eating or drinking (or vaxing or voting), but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. I confess my offense. Help me Lord to love as you do. Help me not to judge others. Help me to welcome and serve all. Sometimes it is easier for me to serve strangers than family members. Sometimes I only want to serve those who think like me. Help me lord! Help me sisters! I lay my offense at the cross. I confess that my being offended has led me to be divisive. Lots, cleanse me! I want to be a unifier, not a separator! Thank you all for sharing this burden with me. Much love here!
The reading from Exodus 17 is one of my favorites and one that I use over and over to comfort those suffering great difficulty. I read this passage as potentially one of the first recordings of community prayer, as while Moses prayed to God for an Israelite victory over the Amalekites, he grew weary. Aaron and Hur came to his aid and essentially shared his burden by helping him pray. I find this so beautiful because when we are deeply troubled or ill we truly need our community to surround us and help us bring our cares and concerns to the Lord.
@TINA – Thank you for putting SO much more eloquently what I tried to capture in welcoming CHURCHMOUSE back re: how our community ❤️ has shifted.
It is indeed SUCH a blessing!
Amen Candace, blessed Friday to you too. Enjoy your weekend SRT community.
I needed this reminder. My baby recently lost her eye to cancer and I am so heartbroken. I bottle up my emotions and just tell everyone I am fine because I feel like I alone am supposed to carry my burdens and that no one else will understand.
Traci Gendron, so sorry for your loss of Tanner. There are no words to heal your heartache, But God, He gives the peace and comfort with the assurance that you will be reunited one day! Praying for you.
Churchmouse, I too , was so excited to see your name and want to welcome you back! You have been greatly missed! I always looked for your comments, they are so encouraging, insightful , and convicting at times just what the heart needs. Will continue to pray for you!
Good Morning Sisters! I am praying and mourning and rejoicing with you all as I read through your responses each day.
This is a hard one for me today. Even in our sweet, little church, I feel I have experienced a superficial “acceptance “ but not a deep, enduring, unjudgmental acceptance and community where I would be comfortable or confident enough to lay my burdens down before anyone.
I enjoy “doing good” (Gal. 6:9a), and “working for the good of all,” but I have been hurt by so many people, in and out of the church; family members and so-called friends. I will continue seeking wisdom and discernment in finding ways of fulfilling this example of Christ, while praying the Spirit will fully open my eyes and heart to whatever I need to change.
Praying you all have rest, peace and joy this weekend!
Lord help me to lay my burdens down at your feet. Help me to be present and give me eyes to see other’s burdens. Please give me the confidence to listen to the holy spirits nudges. Help me to trust and live in community with the body of believers. Amen. Happy Friday!
Challenged by your thoughts and joining in your prayers today. My husband and I are traveling cross-country for Thanksgiving. Praying for safety, both in travels & health. (We are vaxed & boostered) Really looking forward to special time with family!
I’m so thankful for the wisdom you all share in the comments <3 Galatians 6:9 "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Speaking of carrying each others burdens, although I am tired from a long work week and want to just lay on my couch and watch TV, I feel the Lord nudging me to go to a Friendsgiving for a Philly young adult group I haven't participated in in months due to the busyness of life. I feel He has a reason for me going tonight, so even though I am tired I want to walk in obedience to His nudging. I know I'll have a lot of fun tonight reconnecting with other believers. May the Lord go before me! Have a blessed weekend sisters <3
I just prayed for your coworker and her family. May you be an instrument of His peace and bless her as she goes through this struggle. You are helping to carry her burden.
Reading the verses from Romans in the NLT translation helped me understand it, so I am sharing. “I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.” Romans 14:14-15
Preparing for Thanksgiving is a true test of servant hood I love this time of year. Serving my family and friends always brings me joy.
Serving family also has the other side there is always one member who takes over every conversation.
I am asking God for His way of handling this.
Ha! While I was reading today’s devotion (before I read the scriptures) all I could think about was Moses and how they held up his hands!! Then I scroll to the scriptures and see that it is part of today’s reading!! ❤️ I LOVE how God works!!!
James 5:17-18 is what really STOOD out to me today!! SUCH faith & confidence!!! Whatever the cost (I can only imagine how deep it is) I want this SO much!!! Lord, help me FULLY embrace & KNOW who You are and to act in this type of faith and confidence!!
I would definitely encourage you to read Romans 14 from the beginning, it gives a much clearer picture, plus there are few *nuggets & *gems in there, like verses 3, 6-8, 10-13, 17-22.
Romans 14:1-23
I highlighted ALL of the Galatians verses!!! SO Good!!! As a former super private-never-shared-any-of-my-burdens-because-I-didn’t-want-to-be weak-or-burdensome, person… I can fully attest that NOT sharing and ONLY carrying will BREAK every single part of you!! For me, this break happened in small stages, then ALL-AT-ONCE!!! I went from being very independent, reputable, successful and healthy one day, to being completely dependent, no job, no money, no health, and zero reputation, along with all my dignity & privacy, the next day… now there were definitely warning signs, but I yielded to none of them!! I PUSHED through, thinking “I got this and if I drop something God’s got my back” …what I didn’t realize at the time was how arrogant, prideful, disrespectful and how unhonoring that was not only to the people around me, but more importantly to God!!! I look back on that time and just shake my head… ugh! But, I also realize that if I didn’t go through that, then I wouldn’t be where I am with the Lord today!! So I am grateful for it!! I share this, so that we can ALL learn!! Sharing and lifting each other up is not only necessary but it is a super important and integral part of the Body!!! So let’s share, carry and lift, together dear sisters!!!
*sidenote: I often reflect on and am amazed by the truth/results of the old saying:
“many hands make light work”
…and I am now going to equate it with the sharing & carrying of burdens and how the Body of Christ works.
Have a blessed day sisters!! Xoxo
Wow!!! Thank you for sharing
@Growing Faith, I too find it hard to love and serve my small family well. Please God, help us . Amen
I am reminded of what Jesus did shortly after his baptism by John: He began to select His disciples, His tribe, community. Of course He taught them but He also relied on them for fellowship, tasks and the needs of His followers. Once again, Jesus gives us the perfect example that living in faithful community, leaning on others for support and prayer is an essential part of our journey here on earth.
Father God and Holy Spirit please prompt me to lay my burdens down at your feet and share in the lifting others burdens to you as well. In Jesus name, Amen
Sharing burdens, struggles, & hardships lifts our aloneness & anxieties, knowing that we are not the only ones going through difficulties in whatever category they may be. I have found this to be true this year with our miscarriages. I have friends and women on here who have spoken about going through theirs that hve helped me to have a peace of mind and a better “view” of God through my families walk through these experiences. As difficult and heartbreaking as it has been to experience, I’ve been able to grieve and persevere in the Lord & HIS hope for the future. My perspective and outlook on life has shifted and grown as well due to others sharing how they have turned to the Lord and worked through their struggles too. For that, I am so thankful. I am so thankful that we have a Savior who knows sorrow, pain and human emotion. A great high priest & savior king who came, experienced this world, lost friends, wept, was not welcomed by his hometown, was falsely accused and wrongly put to death, but died to save everyone, and was resurrected!!! Hallelujah! Praise GOD. I am so thankful. Happy Friday Shes ❤️!
For a long time I thought the same thing, Penny. But a friend of mine told me once that by not letting others share my burdens I was robbing them from a blessing. That really stuck with me. It’s easier for me to share now and not only that but it seems that when I do I also get the opportunity to share someone else’s burdens. It’s not easy for me to open up to others but God has put some very loving people in my circle knowing I needed the nudge to let it go.
Yes, Churchmouse! So well said & exactly the way I feel. But I have to capture my thoughts and remember this. It’s easy to get bogged down in my own issues when helping others would make my problems so much lighter!
Hi Lee! Welcome to SRT and this group!!
Good Morning, sisters! My coworker just texted me a little bit ago and asked if I would add her to my prayer group. She knows we had prayer cards at church. But, I also thought of asking all of you if you wouldn’t mind. She has been divorced for a while, and had two boys. There have been multiple court cases. He is supposed to be taking her back to court. She wants her boys to know the truth and not believe the lies and manipulation he is sharing with the kids. Im asking God to please intervene and stop the strife, lies, chaos, and confusion. I’m asking for her ex and for her to have an encounter with the Living God and be changed. I’m asking that they both come to know Jesus and His ways and His Words. I’m asking for them to know forgiveness and to forgive and live in peace with each other, so that the kids would not be harmed, but would see the transforming power of God in their lives! I’m asking for healing for all including the boys. Amen! If you are lead to pray a different way, that is great. Thank you so much!
Helping someone carry their burdens seems so much more like a Christian thing to do than sharing your own burdens. It’s hard for me to open up like that. I know it’s pride, but it a serious pitfall for me.
I am guilty of helping others carry their burdens but not letting people carry mine. I keep things to myself and ponder them to long and to often and in some ways they become a god. My burdens become distractions and take my focus off Jesus. What I am learning slowly and painfully is that if you don’t share your burdens they become a god and consume your thoughts and actions. Trusting is a huge problem for me. There are very few I trust with my heart and i have noticed even with God I feel let down. I pray for healing for years, for situations to change and nothing BUT through these ongoing trials I do see the hand of God. My suffering helps me not be self reliant (which I am hence multiple hernia). All of this to say we need one another. I need you. SRT has been a place of growth for me and I looked forward to reading Gods word daily Xoxox
Wow— allowing our burdens to become a god. That spoke to me. Thanks for posting.
ERB, I’ve been following along for a little while and have seen how faithfully you post. It has been an encouragement to me. Thank you, God, for helping ERB get up out of bed and get outside to enjoy some wonderful fresh air. I’ll be praying that your health continues to improve.
I’ve been feeling a weight of guilt and have been hesitant to share because I feel like my struggles are minor compared to what so many others are facing. I want to be transformed by God’s love and to love those around me like God has loved me, but I can’t even seem to love and serve my own family well. I’m impatient, self-serving, and the list goes on.
Arina, yes. I feel similarly. It is easier to take on another’s burdens than confess my own. May God continue to change me and give me humility.
My heart is for those who wander from the truth, today. Today’s reading reminds me to approach them with gentleness. this will win a soul. Not having brilliant “knowledge” and burdening them with my convictions. God, please help me to offer kindness to those who have turned from You and look to other things to save them. Please help them see their absolute need for You as savior. Please help us, Your body, be a safe place for them, and not scary. Help us to welcome your wandering sheep.
In HRT today the first lines grabbed me tight and didn’t let go. “Isolation constantly pulls on us. It’s the idea that life can be lived without the fellowship or support of others. Unfortunately, our culture is set up this way. Every effort is being made to enable us to carry out communal activities while avoiding community. Social media is one of the greatest examples of this. We see people, keep up with their lives, and never truly interact in ways that reflect biblical community.” I probably know more about other people’s lives than ever before but can very easily be involved in them less.
As a young mom, one of my favorite things was weekly getting together to study God’s word with other young moms. We were all bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, smelling of a milk products spilled down our shirts (God or man made), carrying the weight of diaper bags, baby carriers, toddlers and toys, but thankful to be with others who understood. We shared, but it was not a whining session. It was a “lets lay things down for a few minutes and rest in the arms of a Savior who knows us, loves us, and is always with us.” I was more like sisters in Christ holding up each others arms before God when we felt the battle getting too long or that our strength was not enough. The babies stayed in the room with us while the toddlers destroyed the playroom – enjoying their own sense of community. Good times. God times.
Working full time alters things somewhat…we all still come in pretty bleary-eyed most days, smelling of deodorant, toothpaste, and coffee, carrying the weight of both work and home responsibilities. The purpose for our attendance is not always the same as some attended out of necessity, and others by choice. But, the God and Savior who was with me in my home as a young mom, dwells in me at work. This, too, is a place of relationships; some deep and heart-bound, others surface – project by project varied. But through it all there is the need for working together. For cooperation. For the strength that comes from many hands and hearts. Does it get heavy at times? (Much of the time?) Of course. But the responsibilities are not ours to carry alone. The weight of the work load or another person’s choices and how that effects them and/or me is something God is there with me to carry. It is one of the blessings of Jesus being our Mediator. He can be both divine God and man to understand, come alongside, and through the Holy Spirit guide us. If He directs us to hold up another’s arms…let’s lean in and be that support, when we need our arms held up He will either send people (although I need to allow them to hold up my arms – embarrassed by smelly armpits or not) or He will lighten our load. I know it isn’t easy…I know but, when I remember I am not alone, I can hold on for just a little longer. I can choose to obey one more time. And the longer and more regularly that happens, the stronger my arms and heart become. The better able my strong arms are during those times to help with another’s load.
Lord, give us eyes to see the weight our brothers and sisters carry and the strength to help them carry the load. We cannot do that in isolation. When our load is too heavy, help us to welcome the support you place under our smelly pits. May we trust you and live the life you call us to. May we live in the presence and the power of your Sovereignty. Today, tomorrow, and until you bring us Home, please and thank you – Savior, God, and King. Amen.
Lee, welcome to the SRT family!
Sharing my burdens have given me the opportunity to free myself of things that I don’t have to deal with alone. I have peace in knowing that my battle belongs to the Lord.
From Byron (HRT) “Just as Christ became acquainted with our sins, grief, and suffering, we too must walk in the brokenness of life with fellow believers. We don’t have the luxury of just knowing one another’s struggles. Paul says we are to bear them––indicating that we get under the weight with our brothers and sisters to help carry the load. Community is heavy, and we cannot engage in it without experiencing the weight of other people’s issues.”
It may be that this is how Christ’s words “my yoke is easy and my burden is light” is lived out in His church.
For our new Shes, pop in for a visit over the weekend – no reading but usually still some interaction and check out the podcast ❤
Yes, Lord…I am weak and I need you. I want you. Help me to put aside my pride and walk humbly with you in everything. Help me to be FULLY dependent on you.
With my heart, soul, and mind on God I am led to help others, often in carrying burdens. I love the reminder to do so out of humble obedience, gentle love, and Christ focused service. praising God for this community and praying for each of you.
How often have I thought “I have enough burdens of my own to carry, let alone someone else’s.” Yet that is the beauty of God’s command. When I’m carrying another’s burden I am less focused on my own. Praying, sending a card, making a meal, taking time to listen, helping with finances or just checking in with each other are practical ways that I can carry someone else’s burden and thereby lessen theirs. And with my eyes off of me, my burdens seem lighter as well.
Thinking and praying for you all who have asked or in need of prayer.
TRACI GENDRON my heart gently walks alongside yours in prayer, and in love, in sorrow..
Sending comforting arms wrapped in love and hugs..❤
ERB, smiling in jubilation for the goodness of God! Absolutely He is worthy of all praise!❤
Just jumped over to verse of the day..
Now, “the Lord” in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 GNT
There is freedom. Amen!
How cool is that!❤
Thank you Tina. I use the bible app but have never listened to the daily verse. I will from now on.
Something you said there, Miss Scarlet,
We are broken human beings, not capable of carrying the weight of sin. But, incredibly, Jesus stooped to meet us and died to free us so that we could have His power….
Reminded me of the old Japanese art of restoring/ putting back together broken pieces of pottery with gold called KINTSUGI..
I think, we are all like those broken pottery, needing Jesus to give us the strength, the worth, the grace, the hope, the eyes to see, the heart to trust, the wisdom to surrender, and surrender all…. to make us whole.
As broken vessels we are of no use to one another..we cannot be..!
BUT GOD..
With the Spirit of the Lord, (the in filling of that gold), we are not broken anymore, we are beautifully restored to be able to carry, to hold, to surround, to lend ear, mind, heart to one another, to carry one another’s burdens, in support, in love and in the grace afforded us through Jesus..
We were never meant to do life alone, to carry heavy tvs upstairs, or down, or burdens that we believe are ours and no-one else’s. I get that there are burdens that we believe are private.. but..
I guess to share a burden, you have to trust, you have to believe your burden is safe with another, would you trust the size 4 lady to help you carry the TV, maybe not, but she might just be the one to carry the burden of your heart, she may just be the angel that God sent to holds your arms up when your burdens become too heavy to bear alone.
We none of us are perfectly whole beings, but, through and by the grace of God, we are being made whole and perfect in His sight, for His purpose!
Let us then..“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
Amen.
Oooops, I’ve gone on, and probably on a tangent! Sorry!
Happy Friday, in love!❤
Dear Lord I am weak. I need you and only you!
Sharing my burdens can feel like an egoistic thing to do. Like I am burdening the other with my problems they also can’t solve. But when I think of times others shared their burdens with me, I don’t see it like that. The it often feels like a privilege tha they were willing to share their burden. Being vulnerable, sharing our hearts, isn’t a self-focussed thing to do. It’s how God created us to be
Yes, exactly this. Now to get my mind wrapped around this hehe