I Don’t Carry Me No Load

According to studies, both men and women lie frequently (I knew that!).  However, there is some difference regarding the things they lie about.  One lie the genders share may occur when either say, “Nothing’s wrong.” This simple statement might be used for a variety of reasons.  One is that our own feelings are not always clear to ourselves.  Another is that sharing may not make much difference.  Still another may be that we don’t know how to relay our angst.

Burdens are difficult to express.  How do you quantify a feeling?  Feelings are slippery and wiggly.  Changing all the time.  It’s easier to unhook a bream from the line of a cane pole.  And sometimes you get finned.  There is nothing worse than unburdening oneself only to suffer for it.  As if it weren’t bad enough already.  So, it’s hard to be asked and have nothing to say other than a mumbling reply.  And unexpressed burdens weigh more.

I have found that a great many things that are burdens to me don’t seem to matter much to other folks.  What’s the use?  I think this is a great reason Jesus emphasized love among believers.  It is not natural for sinful people to be empathetic.  But, this is one of the differences Christ in the life is supposed to make.  Paul emphasized sharing and bearing.  It is well-established that the early church was known for its love and concern.  I wish then was now.

God knows what you’re made of and what you were made for.  One of the reasons for the burdens we bear may simply be that God intended us to have them to learn through them for future use in His great cause.  When you have had cares, you begin to care.  Sometimes, devastating trials casting even the shadow of death turn careless hangers-on into fervent, feeling and fearless disciples.  Taken hurt often begets healing touch. 

Jesus said He would give us rest if we’d come to Him.  When Pilgrim knelt at the cross, his heavy burden rolled away.  Peace is an unlikely find in this life unless you go to the right place.  No one understands like Jesus.  When something’s wrong, He knows what we can’t muster the words to say.  In eternity, there will be rest from toil and turmoil.  Until then, bring your burdens to Christ and Christians.  Don’t stop or settle.  Keep on blowing down the road.

Sterl

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