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Feeling Burdened?

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2 NIV

If grocery bag carrying were an Olympic event, I would score gold.

Refusing to ask for help, I often lug such a plethora of plump bags from my car that I’m hardly able to fit them through the front door.

“Do you need help?” my fiancé will frequently ask.

“Nope. I can do it by myself.”

Part pride and part not wanting to inconvenience another, my stubbornness has often led to broken bags, spilled groceries, and a grumpy attitude. It’s so hard to ask for help.

As followers of Christ, we weren’t designed to navigate life’s mountains and valleys alone. God designed us to need each other. Friendship and community are fundamental not only to share the joys and accomplishments of life (the fun stuff) but also to share struggles and sorrows (the not-so-fun stuff). Even Jesus maintained a close group of twelve whom He confided in and journeyed with throughout His ministry.

I find it incredibly difficult to reach out to others when I’m struggling. The last thing I want is to weigh others down when I am feeling weighed down. And yet when I do confide in a trusted friend during the trial, I find immense comfort and encouragement and always leave the encounter feeling lighter. Likewise, when a friend or loved one reaches out to me, I am grateful when I in turn can meet them where they are and help them weather their storm.

The best part is, we don’t have to carry our burdens, or the burdens of others, on our own. The Lord daily bears our burdens. We need not be weighed down, for nothing is too heavy for Him.

Do you know someone struggling? Are you struggling? Be encouraged to help share each other’s burdens, to share your burdens with others, and to lift every burden to your heavenly Father.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)


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Emily Marszalek

Emily Marszalek enjoys the simple pleasures in life with her best friend, Nick, and their two Goldendoodles, Charlie and Lucy, in the Pacific Northwest. Her writings have appeared in publications including Angels on Earth, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Listen to Your Dreams, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Blessings of Christmas, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Kindness Matters, CBN.com, The Lutheran Digest, Refresh Bible Study Magazine, Daily Inspired Life, and Insight