Released from an Overbearing Burden!

Rarely does a day go by that someone doesn’t make contact with me seeking relief from the weight and consequences of sin in their life. Certainly, most don’t recognize the seriousness of their issues or the true basis for their problems; they simply know they have a nagging weight they can’t shake that seems to be dragging their life, joy, happiness, peace and contentment down. From those dealing with addictions to those caught up in issues and problems they simply can’t seem to get rid of—the weight and struggle for each is real!

The fact is we have all dealt with this struggle at one time or another. We have all come to a place where the weight we were carrying was overbearing and we needed relief. We felt as though our life was being slowly sapped from us. Have you been there? Have you felt that at some point in your life?

We finally arrive at the place in our lives where we realize that the only relief we will ever find is at the foot of the cross of Christ. It was at the cross that sin’s heavy burden and cost was paid. It was at the cross that Jesus did for you and me what we were incapable of doing for ourselves—paying the ultimate cost for the forgiveness of sins. It is at the cross that you will find peace, assurance, and discover the weight and burden of your sin lifted from your shoulders.

There was a time when access to the presence of God was extremely limited. Entrance into the Holy of Holies—the place of God’s presence and mercy—was limited to the High Priest of Israel and then to only one day a year. When the temple was built in Jerusalem, a heavy, thick curtain was hung as a barrier to restrict access to God to this one person and only one day a year.

When Jesus was crucified, the Bible tells us the final words He cried out from the cross were, “It is finished!” (John 19:30 HCSB) indicating the work of the cross was completed—payment for the sin of mankind had been made in full. Luke records that at that moment “the curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle” (Luke 23:44) indicating God’s acceptance of all humanity into His presence through the blood of Jesus. No longer would there be any barrier, whether it be a man or an object, preventing man’s direct entrance to and interaction with God.

Hebrews 4:14-16 puts it this way: “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-Jesus the Son of God-let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time” (HCSB).

We now have personal access to the Father through Jesus Christ. There is no need whatsoever for a pastor or priest to pray in intercession for us or our needs—the door of access was opened to all—mankind could now can go to God for themselves—not only do we have that access available to us now but we are encouraged to utilize it boldly.

Do you need release from an overbearing burden today? Is your life weighted down, heavy with sin or the consequences from a sinful past? If you have never done so, you need to go to the foot of the cross today and accept God’s forgiveness for your sins. Discover “the peace of God, which surpasses every thought” and find out for yourself the power it has to “guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

If there are things going on in your life right now that you know are not right, approach God’s throne of grace and mercy and find release from those things as you lay them before Him and walk away from them for good. Discover that overbearing burden you are carrying around is not God’s plan for your life today. Get rid of it through Jesus Christ!

Scripture Reading: “Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted? How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie? Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him. Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the Lord. Many are saying, ‘Who can show us anything good?’ Look on us with favor, Lord. You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety” (Psalm 4 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I feel so overwhelmed by life. It seems every day more stress and burdens are added to my already weighted-down life. Please forgive me of my many failures and short-comings. Please forgive me for allowing things to come into my life which are not right or simply don’t belong here. I give myself wholly over to You. Please flood me with Your mercy and grace and give me Your peace. I love You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!