He Lightens My Load

I worry, a lot. I worry about mistakes I’ve made in the past, and I worry about the future. I worry that my actions and insensitivities may have hurt people I care about. I worry that I have not handled my responsibilities well enough. I worry that I say the wrong things, or that I haven’t said enough. I worry about being a good friend, family member, and teammate. I even worry about things that I have no control over. When we have safety drills in school, I worry about a shooter breaking in. Other times I think, “What if my dog runs off and gets hit by a car? What if one of my family members gets sick and dies?” What if, what if, what if What if I can change my thoughts? One thing I don’t have to worry about is whether or not God loves me. Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, faced the worst possible worry of all when He went to the cross. He suffered and died, and He did that for me. Then Jesus rose from the dead, making a way for me to be forgiven and live with Him forever. God is more powerful than everythingeven death. His Holy Spirit reminds me that I am one of His. I am loved and protected. When the Israelites were about to enter the land God promised them, the Lord said to Joshua, This is my commandbe strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). When I begin to worry, I remind myself that God is with me and I am never alone. I can give my worries to Him and take solace in His ultimate protection. When I drop my worries at the feet of the One who loves me, I feel lighter, and I can spread the light of Jesus all around me. Kelly Bakshi What is worrying you today? God invites us to talk to Him about these things and ask for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed by worry, you’re not alone. It’s okay to ask people for help. If you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:25-26 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Joshua1:1-Joshua1:9; Psalm 27:3; Isaiah 41:10; Jeremiah17:7; Proverbs 3:25-Proverbs 3:26