Burdens

Toward the end of the movie “Forrest Gump”, Forrest’s lifelong friend Jenny returns to the site of where she grew up.  Memories of her past abuse and neglect flood back into her mind... and she begins to pick up rocks and throw them at the walls of her old house.  Finally, Jenny quits throwing the stones and breaks down into sobs...  

Forrest’s response?  “Sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks.”

Some of you reading this today have been hurt.  Deeply.  The kind of pain that makes you cry out when nobody’s looking and withdraw emotionally when nobody seems to understand.  

God wants you to hear some words of comfort today.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

All the rocks in the world won’t solve the problem.  But God, the Savior, the Alpha and Omega hears your cries... and He wrote that verse for you.  You aren’t alone.  You do matter.  What happened in your past wasn’t something you deserved... it wasn’t something that you caused... and it wasn’t something you were meant to carry for the rest of your life.  

Today, I invite you to take that burden and lay it down at the foot of the cross.  Jesus is strong enough to handle it... and is calling you to do so.  Don’t turn back to get it... leave it there.  Take that scenario that has been playing over and over in your mind and replace it with the words of today’s verse.

Or this verse:  Phil. 4:13  “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Or this one: Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

Or lastly, this one:  Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Take some time today, and allow God to comfort your soul, start to heal your wounds, and dry your eyes.  

He’s the only Rock you’ll ever need.  

Travel Light

In 2007, England’s Queen Elizabeth II decided to make a short 6-day visit to the United States.   While most people would pack a couple of suitcases… the queen travelled much heavier.  In fact, it was estimated that her gear weighed in at two to three tons!    What could she possibly have brought that weighed so much?  The list included clothes, a diamond tiara, her gowns, her crown, gifts, paperwork, and up to 50 pairs of white gloves.  In addition, her personal affects included several framed photos of her family, her favorite tea and teapot, large quantities of favorite brand of water, and special medicines that she required.  Planning and packing took eight months.  

All for a six day visit. 

But not all royalty travels with such fanfare.  Over 2000 years ago, a little child entered the world that would forever change it.  He would grow up, heal the sick, raise the dead, teach the masses about God’s love, serve those He created, allow Himself to be crucified, and resurrect back to glorious life.  All while maintaining very few possessions, keeping a selectively small circle of close confidantes, and having a low profile.   Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, came out of Heaven that Christmas morning…  not weighed down with stuff… but burdened with the sins of the world.   In a couple of days we will celebrate Christ’s royal arrival… and as we observe Christmas.. let us never forget that Jesus travelled light for a reason.   It was so that He could spend His time intentionally… not worried about bringing everything with him… but making sure He didn’t leave without us.

Merry Christmas!