The most beautiful and memorable places as a youth I have ever been are ones of not only solitude but also contain simplicity…to a point where I feel so refreshed and I am brought back to clarity and proper perspective. One of the places I fondly remember is sitting on the bank of a bubbling stream in the Big Horn Mountains while a gentle breeze would make the pine limbs flex and relax, whispering a melody to the ears of a hearer. The sound of the water flowing has an intoxicating and mesmerizing effect to where one can lose all concept of time and priority. I felt secluded. I felt as if this was my private place even though I only camped there with my family for a day or so, it felt like a week and I never wanted to leave.
When temperatures get as hot as they have been here in South Texas and/or more so when troubles, worries, stress, and problems pile upon my shoulders so much that I am unable to stand straight…that each step seems to be troubled, I think of this cool stream and passionately desire to do something that I never did then but I would certainly do now if I could: lie down in the midst of that stream. Although the depth would be a little too deep to lay completely flat, it would at least afford me the luxury to literally feel my burdens loosened and melt away, to flow down the stream and around the bends to never be seen or known again.
Burdens can come in many forms. They can come from accusations hurled that make us feel so much less of ourselves that we may even doubt our own character. Burdens may come from carrying other people’s burdens…something that perhaps those are not equipped to handle. Burdens may come from taking on a job, ministry, or duty that although enlarges us it is difficult to handle and we may feel alone. Burdens may come from the loss of a loved one. We are not only carrying the pain of their absence, but their absence is magnified in how much they did and how we may had taken them for granted for all that they had so easily done that we didn’t know.
And burdens may come in finances. The need is great. People are both starving literally due to a famine and starving spiritually for the gospel in Jerusalem. God not only can provide windows in heaven to flow blessings to wash away the burden but God can do it through other people. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 9, encouraged the church to not just be prepared to give and how to give, but he also encouraged them that their giving is noticeable. And just like King David had a huge heart of gratitude toward God for His favor and grace and blessing, he wanted to bless the house of Saul for Jonathan’s sake. We find a response in kind toward the givers. 2 Corinthians 9:14, The Living Bible, says, “And they will pray for you with deep fervor and feeling because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you.”
Will our giving—money or otherwise—make such a huge impact that the automatic and grateful response is to vehemently pray for God’s grace to be poured back upon the giver. Can we demonstrate or reciprocate in giving back, just as God did for us? Romans 5:8 remind us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God gave and did so much…even through other people. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen,” Ephesians 3:20-21.
It feels wonderful to feel the weight removed and even more wonderful in knowing our burdens are carried. Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus speaking, says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” We don’t have to carry it (alone). God can and is able to carry it (even through other people). Will we be grateful? Will we also do this for others?