Tuesday, August 30, 2016
(Today’s blog is an amplified version of the meditational thought I wrote for our church bulletin this past Sunday concerning our life burdens.) Galatians 6:2 gives us this solid word of advise: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." I was reminded of this verse recently as I became aware of a very private Christian family who has been carrying an immense personal burden but has not, up to this point, confided it with anyone. My dear fellow believers, if sharing our burdens with others or helping others carry theirs was not a good thing, this biblical advice would not be here.
I am very much aware that our ultimate strength and healing in times of trouble eventually comes from above, and if you are among the select few that can endure life’s trials without too much effort, then by all means keep your personal burdens to yourself. On the other hand, I also ascribe to the old time adage which tells us that"no man is an island." Apart from God, we need each other. If you have not needed to share your personal burdens with anyone up to now, don’t be surprised if some day soon you find yourself in need of seeking help from someone other than the Lord. And should you never need help with your burdens, please realize that there will always be people around you who will need you to help them carry theirs.
The advice in Galatians 6:2 is connected to the one in James 5:16 which tells us to confess our “faults” one to another. That one deals with sins and weaknesses and this one in Galatians with our personal burdens. And although we are all one family in Christ, we should be wise in choosing with whom we will confide our faults, weaknesses, or personal and sensitive burdens. We must not share them with those who have not earned our trust. Nevertheless, God’s Word is sure, and because it is, don’t bear your heavy burdens alone. Trust God and He will direct you to those who will faithfully and lovingly help you carry them.
God’s promise for today: (Isaiah 49:13) “Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”
