I was laying in bed this morning about 5:32 am when a list of things popped into my head that were proceeded with, “It’s not a burden to…..”. It was a long list and a constant list of more and more things being added to it. Things like, “It’s not a burden to pray every morning.”, “It’s not a burden to care for others that are sick.”, “It’s not a burden to slow down and appreciate life.” And so one.
I really believe that in this quiet time with God this morning, He was reminding me of His purpose for me and why He placed me on earth. Simply, to do His will. Maybe I needed a reminder and I wasn’t aware I needed it. It all made sense. As I share some of the things He reminded me of this morning, I will tie it all back to what God’s Word teaches us and supports the list.
First, “It’s not a burden to pray every morning.”. We know that if we pray frequently that prayer becomes a part of our lives without much thought. Lately I have been struggling in my prayers and find it difficult to sit silently and focus on prayer. My prayers seem discombobulated and all over the place without focus. This reminded me that just being in prayer quietly with my Heavenly Father is all I need. I don’t need words because the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. It is not a burden with Him.
Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
“It’s not a burden to care for others who are sick.” Before both my parents became ill with cancer, I pretty much took all my free time to do things I wanted to do. My life is very different now. I am centered in caring for the people that cared for me in my young life. My “free time” activities have changed. God has showed me through the Bible that we are to care for parents and others. The most amazing thing is now as I care for them is I have plenty of time in my day. God has provided ample time for me each day to do everything He requires me to do plus time for myself. I am lucky, I have always had a wonderful relationship with my parents. If you didn’t and your parents need you, cleanse the relationship with forgiveness so you can help properly.
Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.
“It’s not a burden to slow down and appreciate life.”. Remember the Bible story of Mary and Martha? One sat at Jesus’ feet to learn everything she could while the other became upset and restless because her sister would not help prepare the dinner? (Luke 10:38-42) How many times have I become busy and overwhelmed doing the things on my list that truly could wait? Busying myself with the tasks of the world instead of the tasks of my Lord.
Luke 10:38-42 Martha and Mary
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
“It’s not a burden to love myself.” I have blogged about my past and being very unhappy about my weight, my income, as well as my popularity. This was a time I didn’t understand I was a child of God and was chosen by Him. I know now that God designed me how He wanted me for His purpose and if I look into the mirror and not love myself I am dishonoring His work. I know I am perfect in His eyes and what the world thinks does not matter.
1 John 1:3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
“It’s not a burden to say kind words.” In the past, I have been judgmental and very unkind with my words. I am not proud of the things I would say just to hurt someone. I thought it made be a better person to point out others’ flaws. I was wrong. I try my best to say nothing if the words I am about to say are not kind and in the interest of being Christlike. This is a learned practice and doesn’t come easy but I always feel better when I withhold words that aren’t the best for the situation.
Proverbs 18:20 “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction.”
My friends, I pray that you make your list of what is not a burden in your eyes anymore. When God brought this list to me, I realized that I have grown in my relationship with Him. I see that God is providing all the time and skills I need to do His work and not feel burdened any longer. Thank you for reading my blog. I pray for all of you and am grateful for your love.-LoLo
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