Life in the world today is challenging. God told us in His word that it wouldn't be easy for those of us who are on a Christian walk, although it would be worth it. It took me a long time to truly understand what that meant.
One thing I have learned is that God allows us to suffer. I struggled with this for a long time. How could a loving God allow this? I now understand that He uses this to conform us to His image and to teach us how to live. When I look back, most recently over my multiple chronic illnesses, I see changes that could have only come about through hard times and a Loving God who is teaching me me how to do better.
I have been dealing with daily pain and frightening symptoms from rare diseases for years now. The desperation that I started out with accomplished several things:
- I sought God more through prayer
- I dug deeper into His word
- I opened my heart and my mind
- I actively sought ways to help myself physically and emotionally
- Most of all, I started surrendering myself to God.
Striving is the more comfortable way to live, but is also stressful, tiring, and hurtful to one's soul and spirit. When we strive, we are not truly trusting God.
That doesn't mean we stop doing our part, but it does mean that we let it go once we've done our part. I believe this is part of being obedient to God.
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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. ~Matthew 11:29=30
For me, laying my burdens at His feet is something I do repeatedly, but with my whole heart. One of the wonderful things about doing this is that it empties me of it and leaves room to be filled with all the good things God has for me. I am able to focus on my blessings and positive things, and don't have worries constantly distracting me. Having a much lower stress level contributes to my overall well being.
Of course It's not perfect, but it is oh so much better! The times I have trouble laying my burdens down, I pray and ask God to help do it, and He does. I can honestly say that I am no longer a Control freak!
Of course It's not perfect, but it is oh so much better! The times I have trouble laying my burdens down, I pray and ask God to help do it, and He does. I can honestly say that I am no longer a Control freak!
“I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket.In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; ~Psalm 81:6-7
