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When Your Burdens Get Too Heavy

By Annettee Budzban

“Come to me, you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:18).

We live in a frantic, troubled world. With all we try to accomplish, we become stressed and loaded with many burdens. Here are some truths God teaches us through Scripture that can make the burdens lighter.

1. Stop wondering, “What if?” Giving up this habit can remove the sense of worry and torment in your heart. Sometimes your concerns can turn into a list of worries as you ponder what might happen. But Philippians 4:6,7 instructs us to take anxiety to God in prayer.
2. Spend time in God’s Word. When you feel hopeless, immersing yourself in God’s Word can enlighten your troubled mind. Burdensome thoughts become thoughts of rest and peace. “Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27).
3. Assess your commitments. Looking over your schedule is an important step you should take to eliminate stress. Pray for wisdom and reexamine your priorities. Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to make the most of our time.
4. Be grateful. Gratitude can give you new perspective during a stressful time. Colossians 3:17 tells us to “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude.”
5. Start fresh every morning. Lamentations 3:22 promises that God’s “compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” Asking for forgiveness for sins and beginning anew every day can lift the burden of guilt from your shoulders.
6. Stop comparing. Accept yourself instead of worrying that you don’t measure up to someone else. Remember that God knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13) and He has a plan for your life.
7. Commit to God. When you dedicate your entire life to God and constantly listen for His direction, your decisions become easier and your load becomes lighter. Proverbs 3:6 encourages us to “acknowledge him” in every aspect of our lives and promises that He will direct our paths.

ANNETTEE BUDZBAN is a Christian author, speaker, newspaper columnist. Her weekly column Inspirations appears in newspapers in northern Illinois. She has written for Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Purpose, Standard, Evangel, Insight, Cup of Comfort Devotional and more. To learn more about her ministry and books, visit her Web site at AnnetteeBudzban.com.