As time is traveling forward, the reality of being a grown up continues to sink in. Not only do we ourselves journey through the tough stuff, so do our friends and families. The messiness of life can all too quickly turn into a thick jungle before our eyes. Soon we can become entangled in not only our trials, but the burdens of others as well.

There are times when we may feel like running away. Ditching the effort of relationships because their problems seem too heavy for us to be empathetic toward.

In Galatians 6:2, we are encouraged to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When times get tough for those around us, it is not time for us to run away. It is time for us to stand up for them through prayer, support, and yes- a little sacrifice of our own time, money, energy- whatever it may be.

Understanding that for some, burdens of others are overwhelming, scripture gives us another instruction to help us navigate these times. Psalm 55:22 says,
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

The human race was made to care for each other and love each other. After the death of our daughter, without God placing some burden carriers in my life, I would not have been able to get through the darkest journey of my life. You may live a quiet, and drama free type of life. There is inherent value in the steadiness of your life to help bring refuge to those around you voyaging a rocky storm.

We must always try our best to carry the burdens of others and in turn cast those cares at the feet of Jesus. Carrying another’s burden can look like many different actions. It can be praying with someone, sending some flowers, babysitting for them, cooking some freezer meals, going with them to a support group- the list goes on and on.

The part where we have a heart for others is where we lay down our tendencies of letting others carry their burdens by themselves- we pick up that weight for them for awhile to help them overcome that chapter of their lives. And that weight that we are so afraid to carry for them, will be sustained by strength that comes from Jesus- the greatest burden carrier of all.

∼live your journey true∼