by Desiree Bustamante

We can’t walk in God’s blessing while holding onto what hinders us.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation

I’ve heard many Christians say that if they could change one thing about how they live, they would stop trying to carry the weight of everything. So many people feel the pressure to get it all done, become a better person, overcome every weakness, and fix what is broken in their lives. Yet Jesus does not say, “Fix it first, and then bring it to Me.” He simply says, “Come to Me as you are, at this moment.”

Laying down our burdens requires trust. When we have been hurt or disappointed, surrender can feel risky. We may fear that someone, or even we ourselves, will drop the ball again, that nothing will change, or that we will never fully heal. In this life, some brokenness may remain until heaven. Yet Christ’s power and love are greater than our human frailty, and only through Him can we find true freedom from the thoughts that hold us captive.

Freedom begins when we release every burden to Him. The unfinished work, the failures, the wounds, and even the fear that our struggles make us unlovable. We do not have to remain enslaved to our need for control or to the thoughts that keep us weighed down. Although we know God is trustworthy, we often resist Him because control feels safer. Yet true rest comes only when we loosen our grip, cling to Christ, and allow Him to carry what was never ours to bear. Each day His invitation remains—come and surrender to Me, and you will find rest for your soul.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado