A mother of young children, who also runs a business, told me that since COVID she’s added homeschooling to her already packed schedule. “I don’t know if I’m coming or going,” she said, indicating how distracted she is. Another parent expressed concern and frustration over the choices his adult daughter is making.
How are you doing at balancing the cares of your life? Do you feel responsible for people and things beyond your control? Have you wondered if you’re doing enough? Or does the wrong thing consume too much of your time and attention?
When I’m stressed, I usually find I’m feeling responsible for something beyond my control. I feel pressured to achieve—or prevent—a certain outcome. When I take my burden to Jesus, He clarifies our roles. My role is to be faithful. He’s in charge of outcomes.
When I take my #burden to Jesus, He clarifies our roles. My role is to be #faithful. He's in charge of outcomes. Click To TweetGod doesn’t hold us answerable for things beyond our control. When concerns pile up, it’s time to release some things we’ve tried to manage. Sometimes that involves an attitude change. Other times, our actions need to shift. Listen to Jesus’ words in this familiar passage.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29 NLT).
Jesus invites “all who are weary and carry heavy burdens” to come to Him and find rest. Let’s look at how to do this.
God doesn’t hold us responsible for things we can’t control. When needs pile up, He's calling us to release some things we’ve tried to tightly manage. #BigGod Click To TweetTake My Yoke
A yoke “is a wooden beam, normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs.”[1] Sometimes a young animal was yoked to an experienced, stronger animal. The strong animal would carry the brunt of the burden and guide the young one. In Scripture, “yoke” was used symbolically to refer to burdensome religious laws.[2]  This verse pictures us being yoked to Christ instead.
 Think of some burdens you feel bound to carry. Perhaps a secular mindset, self-effort, a besetting sin, personal or family standards or other people’s expectations have loaded you down. Religious rules and regulations can also steal our joy as they did for those in Jesus’ day.
Jesus tells us to lay down our burdens and take up His yoke. When we partner with Him, He lifts the worry off of the load we carry. He sets the pace and direction of our journey. If you’re feeling the weight of any burden, could it be you’re carrying something you’re not meant to bear? His yoke is easy, and His burden in light.
Share His Goal; Accept My Role
If we’re to walk with Jesus, we need to walk in the same direction. He leads; I follow. I abide in Him; He bears fruit through me.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim.1:5 NASB).
Sometimes, because we love someone we think we know best and try to control them and their choices. Love from a pure heart allows us to release our loved ones and our concerns for them into God’s hands (Matt. 22:37-40). When we operate out of a good conscience and from sincere faith, we please God and enjoy life.
Think about a burden you carry. What would it look like to surrender the results to Jesus and focus on being faithful to your role?
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33 NIV).
Blessings,
Resources
Give Yourself a Break
“I couldn’t recommend this Bible study enough! It is quite possibly the best one I have ever done as it relates to understanding “biblical secrets to uncover the lies we believe that keep us from Gods rest.” It has been so powerful and chain breaking to me that I intend to start it over and study it again to ensure I retain the knowledge I have gained.” ~ Michele Cable
[1] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoke>
[2] Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for zygos (Strong’s 2218)“. Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2011. 18 Aug 2011. <http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?
Strongs=G2218&t=NASB>
That release of what we can’t control is so freeing–and so elusive. Thanks!
Nancy, you said it well, “so freeing–and so elusive.” Sometimes I don’t even realize I’ve picked up a certain burden until I stop and ask why I’m feeling dread or whatever unpleasant emotion I’m carrying.
I think how this crazy time we live in has pushed me more and more to release things I have no control over has especially been where it concerns my adult children. It can be very upsetting when you feel they may not be doing things in the best way (at least the way I see it) and it can cause problems. So releasing my concerns to the Lord and and allowing Him to lead and guide them is so freeing.
Ann, it creates such tension inside of us when they don’t listen to our well-earned wisdom! 🙂 For me, it tests my faith that God is able to speak to them and redeem their mistakes as He has for me.
Surrendering our cares to God is so freeing. When we let go, He takes over.
Amen, Wemi! Thanks.
Releasing my burdens to Him brings peace and comfort to my soul. When I try to handle life on my own, nothing works out for the best. With Him, I am at peace. Great message.
Melissa, peace is a priceless result of learning to let go. Thanks so much!
It sometimes seems so difficult to let my tight grip relax, but yes, partnering with Jesus and allowing Him to carry the burden is always worth the letting go. Thanks Debbie!
Sylvia, I know, right? Why do I think He needs me to hold on so tightly?
Thank you for sharing this insight. Letting go of that control plays a huge part if finding peace. I’m visiting from the Recharge Wednesday link up. Have a great day Debbie!
Thank you, Marielle. Letting go and trusting Jesus, certainly does bring peace.
I love your line, “Jesus is in charge of outcomes.” What a wonderful reminder that is; to “stay in our lane” in this journey. Loved too your example of how yoked animals are often paired so the younger one can learn from the older. A perfect analogy for true discipleship.
Thank you, J.D. I love picturing being yoked to Jesus in that way.
What a blessing when we know Jesus is there for US.
Sometimes, we are just too occupied to seek God’s will in our situation.
Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever.
Amen! Thank you, Chuks.
Debbie this is really good and just what I needed today. Thank you!
Thank you, Amy!
Powerful message and insight, Debbie. I’m learning my role (job) is to be faithful to the calling on my life, God’s job is the outcome. I like to say, “God is CEO and I never want to be in His seat or position. He knows best how to manage the universe and our lives!”
Karen, I like how you put it, He is the “CEO and knows the best way to manage the universe and our lives!” I can trust Him.
I find that as I’m crawling thru flashbacks and first time memories of abuse I am undone to the point of trauma response so letting go of control has been a stretch just wanna get thru so thank u for those who talked about He’s in charge of outcomes cause Iam so lost in hurt emotions n stuff I can’t put to words I guess easier said than done a whole different level of testing
Gina, sometimes we need someone to process with us. You may want to call your church for a referral. You don’t have to go through this alone. In my book Little Women, Big God the chapters on Bathsheba address recovering from abuse.
Hanging on your every word today. Everything seems so heavy right now. Thanks for your insights…and your study looks fabulous. Where can I order?
Jeanne, it’s on Amazon. If you click the red title by the cover it should take you there. Thanks so much!
Debbie,
Oh, yes, releasing my burdens to God is something I need to do over and over again. I found myself answering yes to all of the questions – “Do you feel responsible for people and things beyond your control? Have you wondered if you’re doing enough? Or does the wrong thing consume too much of your time and attention?” Thank you for your beautiful words. God and I have some pondering to do. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth and for the recommendation on the bible study.
Thank you, Maree Dee. Those little burdens like to climb on our backs and distract us from the goodness of God.
Ahhh, Debbie. God knew I needed to read your words today. For the past week, I’ve been living under stress, and as I read, God reminded me of one burden I’m carrying that should be resting on His shoulders. Jesus really is the best One to carry this burden. So, I’m going to remember your thoughts here as I hand it over and learn how to leave it on His capable shoulders. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Jeanne. God bless!
Debbie, here is my favorite sentence in your encouraging post: “Think about a burden you carry. What would it look like to surrender the results to Jesus and focus on being faithful to your role?” With that picture in mind, how can we become anxious and attempt to do His work without trusting Him? Thank you.
That picture helps me when I’m feeling stressed over something. Thank you, Jeanne.