Trust More, Carry Less
Psalm 145:14 — The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
There’s a fine line between being prepared for a trip and packing like you’re moving away.
And apparently, I have a hard time finding that line.
You see, with my second job, I’m traveling more than ever these days.
And I’ve discovered something about myself.
I need to learn how to travel light.
Because somewhere along the way, I’ve convinced myself that a three-day trip requires enough clothing for two weeks.
Six pairs of shoes?
Of course.
Twelve pairs of pants?
Well, what if I change my mind?
And don’t even get me started on all the little things I throw into my suitcase “just in case.”
By the time I’m finished packing, I can barely lift the thing.
And then I’m standing there wondering why I need a back brace just to get my suitcase into the car.
All for a three-day trip!
But lately, I’ve been thinking about something.
There’s a difference between carrying what we need and carrying what we’ve simply gotten used to holding on to.
And I’m not just talking about luggage.
Because if we’re being truthful, some of us are walking through life with some pretty heavy baggage.
Old regrets.
Unforgiveness.
Worries about tomorrow.
Disappointments we haven’t been able to let go of.
Things someone said years ago that we still replay in our minds.
And sometimes, we’ve carried those things for so long that we don’t even realize how heavy they’ve become.
We just keep going.
Keep smiling.
Keep telling everybody we’re fine.
All the while, we’re struggling under the weight of things nobody else can see.
Have you ever felt that way?
I think that’s why I love Psalm 145:14.
“The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.”
What a beautiful picture of God’s heart.
He sees the person who’s struggling.
He notices the one who’s exhausted.
He doesn’t look at someone who’s fallen and tell them they should have been stronger.
He reaches down to help them up.
And He lifts those who are bent beneath their burdens.
I don’t know about you, but that brings me so much comfort.
Because sometimes, we convince ourselves that being strong means handling everything on our own.
We think we have to figure it all out.
Hold everything together.
Carry every responsibility without ever admitting we’re tired.
But God never asked us to be strong enough to live without Him.
In fact, Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest.
Not after they’ve solved all their problems.
Not after they’ve finally gotten their lives together.
But right in the middle of their weariness.
And here’s something I’ve been learning.
Just because you’ve been carrying something for a long time doesn’t mean you have to keep carrying it the same way.
Now, that doesn’t mean every burden disappears the moment we pray.
Some situations still require difficult conversations.
Some responsibilities are ours to fulfill.
Some heartaches take time to heal.
And sometimes, God helps us through the people He places in our lives.
But even when the circumstances don’t change overnight, we can stop believing that we’re supposed to face them all alone.
We can bring our worries to Him.
Ask Him for wisdom.
Trust Him with the things we cannot control.
And allow His strength to support us when our own strength is running low.
So here’s a little challenge for you today.
Take a moment and think about what you’re carrying.
Not in your suitcase.
In your heart.
Is there an old hurt you’ve been holding on to?
A worry about tomorrow that’s stealing your peace today?
A regret you’ve replayed so many times that you’ve forgotten what it feels like to live without it?
Maybe it’s time to open up that emotional suitcase and take a look inside.
Ask God what needs your attention.
What needs healing.
And what you’ve been trying to control that you need to place in His hands.
Because you were never meant to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
And the God who lifts those bent beneath their burdens is ready to help you with yours.
As for me?
I’m still working on the whole packing thing.
But I’m learning.
I really don’t need six pairs of shoes for a three-day trip.
And I certainly don’t need to drag around things that are weighing down my heart.
So here’s to lighter suitcases.
Lighter hearts.
And learning to trust the One who’s strong enough to carry what we cannot.
Travel light, my friends.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- What is something you’ve been carrying emotionally that has become heavier over time?
- Why do you think we sometimes feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness?
- How does Psalm 145:14 change the way you picture God’s response when you’re struggling?
- What’s the difference between taking responsibility for something and trying to control something that’s beyond your ability to change?
- Is there a burden you need to bring to God today, perhaps by praying, forgiving someone, or asking a trusted person for help?
QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY
What am I carrying that God never intended for me to carry alone?
