We must recognize the difference between burdens that are right for us to bear and burdens that are wrong. We should never bear the burdens of sin or doubt, but there are some burdens placed on us by God which He does not intend to lift off. God wants us to roll them back on Him— to literally “cast your burden,” which He has given you, “on the Lord….” If we set out to serve God and do His work but get out of touch with Him, the sense of responsibility we feel will be overwhelming and defeating. But if we will only roll back on God the burdens He has placed on us, He will take away that immense feeling of responsibility, replacing it with an awareness and understanding of Himself and His presence.Many servants set out to serve God with great courage and with the right motives. But with no intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ, they are soon defeated. They do not know what to do with their burden, and it produces weariness in their lives. Others will see this and say, “What a sad end to something that had such a great beginning!”“Cast your burden on the Lord….” You have been bearing it all, but you need to deliberately place one end on God’s shoulder. “…the government will be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). Commit to God whatever burden He has placed on you. Don’t just cast it aside, but put it over onto Him and place yourself there with it. You will see that your burden is then lightened by the sense of companionship. But you should never try to separate yourself from your burden.________________________________________________________________

April 13 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, You knew I was carrying a burden this morning and reached out to me with this devotional and song. It is what You do.  As the song says, You amaze me, redeem me and call me as your own. You will never leave me, I am not alone. And as I think about the burdens, roadblocks, snares and troubles that can appear, You do go before me, You will never leave me. I am not alone. Thank You for the reminder Lord.

And God says…” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Since the beginning and “the Fall” in the Garden, the world has been full of pain, trials and struggles. You get to live in a world where pain, struggles, trials, and fear often run rampant. And although you must live in it you do not have to be a part of it.  You can be in the world, but not of the world. Take My yoke upon you, it is light. I will not burden you with fear, trials, struggles and pain, and although I will allow these things to come toward you, you can choose to be in an intimate relationship with Me and allow Me to address the struggles, trials, fear and pain. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and I will provide everything else you require. Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart. Acknowledge me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. And as the song says…”You are not alone”.