When Burdens for Our Family Members Become Too Much

When the Burdens for Our Family are too Great

Crushing heartbreak seared through my thoughts, impacting my spirit, bending me over with despair. Tears streamed with reckless abandon saturating the open pages of my Bible as I cried out to the One who loves me.

God is Our Burden-Bearer

He loves me through thick and thin with more love than I can imagine.

And you.

He loves us.

when burdens are too great Through prayerful sobs, I cast my thoughts on the Lord, “I can’t bear the heartache of my family members! I can’t bear it. It’s too much…. ”

I crumpled into another ugly cry.

Then He spoke.

Nan, You don’t have to bear it. I bore it on the cross when I died for you. I am your Burden-Bearer. Cast your care on Me. Throw it at me, if you must, but let the burden go. It’s mine to carry, not yours.

“I bore it on the cross when I died for you…. “

That stopped me in my tracks.

Because it was so delicate, so merciful, and so true.

The Lord Himself knew this heartbreak before it ever happened. He knows my difficult places and the broken places of those I love. He knows, and He cares.

And He wants me to let it go because it’s too much for me.

He wants you to let go of your burdens, too.

He Knows Our Difficult Places

I closed my eyes and imagined the Lord securing His strong hands around each burden that had mushroomed into unBEARable proportions and watched as He lifted them from my shoulders.

I reached out to grab a tiny piece that I found myself clinging to. He looked at me as only He can, and I reluctantly let that one go, too — completely.

God will give us hope when burdens are too great When I thought back to that image — the image of me grabbing at the corner of that burden trying to hang onto it, the image shifted. In my mind’s eye, the corner I grabbed became the hem of His garment.

I saw myself clinging to the hem of His garment — His love. His promises. His strength. Clinging, knowing that the Lord recognized my heart and my need, and knowing that He wants me to stop carrying these burdens that are too heavy for me to bear.

Dear One, He wants you to let your burdens completely go too — surrendering them into His capable hands and His compassionate heart.

For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. ~ Isaiah 41:13, NLT

He is our Burden-Bearer, Promise Keeper, Way-Maker.

He is the Lord, our God, who will be faithful to help us in our darkest moments, lifting the burdens that weigh us down.

Cling to the hem of His garment.

He is passing by.

Selah

Nan Jones

Nan Jones is an author/speaker who uses the words of her heart to assist fellow Christians in discovering the Presence of God in their darkest hour. She has been published in several anthologies as well as the online inspirational sites Christian Devotions, and Inspire a Fire where she is a monthly contributor. She is also a monthly contributor to PW Connections, a blog and forum to encourage pastors' wives. Nan has had the honor of being featured as a guest blogger on several sites. She is thrilled to announce her debut book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife released June 30, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. This memoir was a 2016 Selah finalist. When Nan isn't writing, she enjoys leading prayer retreats, bible studies or sharing God’s love as keynote speaker for special events. She is becoming known by her brand: "Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord" as she teaches her audience to go beyond the veil to find God's Presence. You may visit Nan at her website: www.NanJones.com. Nan has also created a facebook community page, Seeing Beyond The Veil, to provide a place for folks to go and get away from the chaos for a few moments and focus on Jesus through scripture, worship, testimony, and inspirational quotes. For personal communication you may email Nan at nan@nanjones.com The Perils of a Pastor's Wife is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and LPC Bookstore