One day a few years back, I was moving a large wall mirror in our house. Joel wasn't around, so I decided I would take care of it myself. I grabbed hold of that mirror and started to move it. However, I didn't realize it was going to be as heavy as it was. I knew exactly where I was taking it and was almost there when the mirror began to feel really heavy and I was concerned that I was going to drop it. I thought, "I'm struggling so much. I can't believe it's this heavy!" But I just kept pressing on. I was close to where I was going and didn't want to give up. But then something inside of me said, "Well, why don't you just put it down for a minute and rest and regroup." What a novel idea! So I set the mirror down, repositioned my hands, and took a deep breath. Very quickly, I started to feel a whole lot better. So I picked up that mirror again with my renewed strength and kept heading to where I was going.
I think that's how we are as Christians sometimes. We hold so tightly to things that we begin to struggle in our faith and in the promises of God. We see where we're going, and we get so determined to get there that sometimes we do it in our own strength instead of resting in God. I believe today God is saying to us, "Slow down. Be patient. Don't just run until you hit the wall. Listen, I'm right here to help you. Put down the heavy load for a minute. Take a deep breath, reposition your hands, rest, regroup, and then you'll be renewed."
Notice, I didn't let that mirror go. If I had, it would have come crashing down to the ground. But I did let go of the struggle. I took just a minute to reevaluate what was going on and how I was handling things. Maybe that's what you need to do today. Are you carrying a load in your own strength? Do you need to pause for a moment to reposition yourself? Why don't you ask the Holy Spirit to show you a better way? He wants to take that heavy burden and lighten your load. He wants to give you rest so you can be restored and move confidently to the place of victory.
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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)