Matthew 11:29-30 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
The other day I was reading about how to survive an earthquake. The expert being interviewed shared some insights about how to survive an earthquake if you happen to be inside a structure of some sort when a quake strikes. He noted that traditionally people have been taught to get underneath something near them such as a desk or bed. Other suggestions have been to stand in a doorway or get beneath stairs. He then told about the hundreds of people he had seen killed because they got under something that the weight of the collapsing building crushed. Both children and adults alike were lost from having followed these traditional "survival" techniques.
The expert said he would recommend that people not get underneath heavy objects, but that they should lie down beside those heavy strong objects in the fetal position. When the building falls in, the heavier objects only allow the debris to fall so far and that creates spaces directly beside the large objects and that space may very well be the amount you need until you can be rescued. Beds, large desks, filing cabinets, or any other heavy thick object can prove helpful.
Although not all of us have experienced an earthquake, each of us has definitely been at a place in our life where we felt burdened or perhaps even crushed by the weight of life. Financial, medical, and relationship troubles can cause us to feel like the world is coming down around us. They can make us feel like we are going to be crushed to death. I have personally felt heaviness in my chest before when life's burdens became too heavy.
Just like when an earthquake strikes, we need protection when our personal world begins to shake uncontrollably. Where do we turn: to drugs, alcohol, immoral sexual behavior, gambling? None of these things offer solutions to our troubles, they simply allow us to forget for a while. But when the high wears off, the alcohol clears out of our minds, our partner goes on with their life, or the money we might win is spent what are we left with? Guilt and shame. That's why a relationship with Christ is the only real solution to life's troubles.
When we feel burdened He cares. When we feel lost He can lead us home. When we feel lonely He will comfort us. When life comes tumbling down around us He is more than strong enough to provide shelter and safety. We must simply choose to follow Him and allow Him to have full reign in our lives. Jesus cannot be crushed friends and if we are "yoked" or bound up with Him neither shall we be crushed.
There may be some who read this and wish they had the bond with Jesus that gives that life-saving protection. There is no need to wish. All you have to do is ask Christ to come into your heart and to take away the stains of sin in your life. He is willing to forgive you for your sins if you will ask. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive them and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Perhaps you once walked with the Lord but strayed away. Today is the day to come back and let Jesus lead you afresh. Decide just now to re-commit your life to Christ and walk with Him now and forever more. You will never regret having let Christ have full control of your life. I haven't.
Dear Father in Heaven,
As we come before You just now we desire to no longer be crushed by the weight of this world's problems. We recognize that faith in You and a relationship with Jesus are our only hopes. Please forgive us for where we have failed You and yoke us up with Christ that He might bear our burdens. These things we pray in the holy name of Christ, Amen.
The other day I was reading about how to survive an earthquake. The expert being interviewed shared some insights about how to survive an earthquake if you happen to be inside a structure of some sort when a quake strikes. He noted that traditionally people have been taught to get underneath something near them such as a desk or bed. Other suggestions have been to stand in a doorway or get beneath stairs. He then told about the hundreds of people he had seen killed because they got under something that the weight of the collapsing building crushed. Both children and adults alike were lost from having followed these traditional "survival" techniques.
The expert said he would recommend that people not get underneath heavy objects, but that they should lie down beside those heavy strong objects in the fetal position. When the building falls in, the heavier objects only allow the debris to fall so far and that creates spaces directly beside the large objects and that space may very well be the amount you need until you can be rescued. Beds, large desks, filing cabinets, or any other heavy thick object can prove helpful.
Although not all of us have experienced an earthquake, each of us has definitely been at a place in our life where we felt burdened or perhaps even crushed by the weight of life. Financial, medical, and relationship troubles can cause us to feel like the world is coming down around us. They can make us feel like we are going to be crushed to death. I have personally felt heaviness in my chest before when life's burdens became too heavy.
Just like when an earthquake strikes, we need protection when our personal world begins to shake uncontrollably. Where do we turn: to drugs, alcohol, immoral sexual behavior, gambling? None of these things offer solutions to our troubles, they simply allow us to forget for a while. But when the high wears off, the alcohol clears out of our minds, our partner goes on with their life, or the money we might win is spent what are we left with? Guilt and shame. That's why a relationship with Christ is the only real solution to life's troubles.
When we feel burdened He cares. When we feel lost He can lead us home. When we feel lonely He will comfort us. When life comes tumbling down around us He is more than strong enough to provide shelter and safety. We must simply choose to follow Him and allow Him to have full reign in our lives. Jesus cannot be crushed friends and if we are "yoked" or bound up with Him neither shall we be crushed.
There may be some who read this and wish they had the bond with Jesus that gives that life-saving protection. There is no need to wish. All you have to do is ask Christ to come into your heart and to take away the stains of sin in your life. He is willing to forgive you for your sins if you will ask. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive them and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Perhaps you once walked with the Lord but strayed away. Today is the day to come back and let Jesus lead you afresh. Decide just now to re-commit your life to Christ and walk with Him now and forever more. You will never regret having let Christ have full control of your life. I haven't.
Dear Father in Heaven,
As we come before You just now we desire to no longer be crushed by the weight of this world's problems. We recognize that faith in You and a relationship with Jesus are our only hopes. Please forgive us for where we have failed You and yoke us up with Christ that He might bear our burdens. These things we pray in the holy name of Christ, Amen.
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