So much is happening in our world today – the pace and pressure of life can often feel like it is just too much! In today’s world it is easy to feel overwhelmed, overstress, and overburdened.

With news about mass shootings, controversial laws, political hearings, soaring gas prices and the virus that still raging; if we are not careful, we can become consumed by it all.

One of the places that is impacted by being overburdened is our sleep. When our minds continue to race long after we have laid down, it is a good indicator that we have not laid our burdens down. When we do this fear and anxiety win out over the peace that God has promised us.

For those who are carrying excess baggage, consider what the scripture says in Matthew 11:28- 30.

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

As we consider the practical implications from this verse 3 things come to mind about how to lay our burdens down:

1. Take Your Burdens to God

We can’t get so caught up and consumed with the weight of our burden that we forget that we have a God who has offered to carry them for us. Jesus said, “Come to me”. In other words, He offers to meet us at our place of need. Whatever you may be carrying today, remember that though it may be too heavy for you, God is more than able to lighten your load.

2. Take His Yoke

There is an exchange offered in this scripture Our burdens for God’s yoke. Well what is the yoke? – Literally, in Jesus’ day, it was a device designed to keep the stronger ox connected to the weaker one when pulling a plow. Thus, the weight (or the burden) would fall to the stronger, more experienced and dependable animal who was more equipped to handle the strain and stress of the heavier load.

It would do us well, to learn from this simple, practical illustration of allowing God, who is much BIGGER and STRONGER than us to carry for us what we can’t!

3. Receive Rest for Your Soul

Many times, when we refuse Jesus’ invitation, we receive the opposite of rest… stress, pain, and weariness. But the is an alternative option. When we give God all our problems in turn he is willing and more than able to supply us with peace.

If you desire that peace today, why not lay your burdens down at His feet and leave them there? Trusting that no matter how big the burden, He can handle it.