Lay It Down

Have you found yourself in a cloudy situation lately? No, we aren’t talking about the premature arrival of autumn, but rather the circumstances given to us in this life. Sometimes, it has a funny way of seeing the way we deal with plan B. This plan may not be the original intention, however we sometimes end up having to yield to this alternate detour, without volunteering to do so. It’s so important that during these times we recognize that God is still good even when the storms of life come barrelling in.

Friends, we need to keep our eyes locked on the Giver of truth and solution in all circumstances. In this roller coaster life, it’s WAY too easy to become swayed by situations; what we see, what we hear, and how we feel. When messy times arise, we need to learn to lay these burdens down, and let God lay them to rest; whatever that might look like.

The Bible tells us,

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved,” (Psalm 55:22).

When we speak about burdens, they sometimes have the ability to manifest in a way that is adversarial to our well being and relationship with Christ. Even less subtle however, are the little things that are stripping us away from peace and a sight aimed at God. In today’s day and age, the things we place in front of God actually put us in a place where we lack contentment and joy. Our career, social media, and even our hobbies/interests can be dangerous if our motives are not clear. When these things determine and define our joy, motivation, and goals; they can also in return, foster competition, anxiety, depression and an attitude to “one up” each other. Most of the time, we don’t even notice these things eating away at our hearts intent, and maybe even our relationship with God. Don’t be fooled, an idol doesn’t have to be a physical object. Many times, they are intangible and are seen as “good thing” and can become a distraction (and eventually a burden we don’t even notice sometimes!) to the things that really matter if the intention behind them is not pure and right.

This idea of laying things down before the Lord has a bit of irony to it. For some, the burden is so heavy that this concept is a no brainer. For others, laying down sports, music, a career, fashion, makeup, social media, is a little more complex as some of these things are hobbies, and interests.

Regardless. It’s time to lay it down.

A broken relationship? Lay it down.

Dreams? Lay it down.

Your career? Lay it down.

Anxiety? Lay it down.

School? Lay it down.

Fame? Lay it down.

Basically, don’t let ANYTHING come in the way of your relationship with Christ and the path HE has for you. No matter what the situation looks like; good or bad. And even if we need to remind ourselves to lay certain things before Him every second of the day, so be it.

He is worthy of our time, our interest, and direction. When we give our focus to Him and take a step back on what’s happening around us, we humble ourselves to the goals of the Father, and we hear His voice more clearly over our lives and the RIGHT way He would have us go.

The time has come to take the gospel seriously and pick up our cross daily to follow Him. May we always be willing to submit ourselves to the One who is the giver of hope and strength and Who is not defined or determined by situations and circumstance.

And so, we leave you with this Word,

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28).