Burdens....

So tonight I went and saw a play at Bethany Baptist Church called "Baggage Claim". It was about how we carry so much baggage (a.k.a. sin) around with us and how Jesus has already offered to take it by his death on the cross if we would just give it to him.

How true this is! How many times have I found myself carrying around fear, worry, pride, or one of many other sins? It always weighs me down and tires me out. As I was sitting there watching the play and feeling rather convicted about how often I refuse to give Jesus my baggage, because after all... it's mine. A song and the scripture that part of that song is based on popped into my head and heart. Here's the scripture:

Matthew 11:29-30 (New Living Translation)
29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus gives us a burden to bear, but it's one of humility and gentleness, one that gives rest and life instead of taking it. Why? Because his "yoke is easy... and the burden... is light." I think it's because he's carrying it and I'm not... he's got all the problems and I've got his grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, peace, etc. That's my burden to carry.

So now the song I have had stuck in my head (pretty sure God put it there)...notice the bridge (I'll bold it and italicize it for you):

Greater

By New Life Worship

Find rest my soul
Confess you're weary
Surrender all
Embrace your healing

I will cast my cares
You have always cared

You have always cared
You are greater
Greater than the fight
That rages for my life
I have found my rest is in
You are brighter
Breaking through the night
Lighting up my sight
I have seen my rest is in You

Find hope my soul
You know He's with you
My Savior, God
Still I will praise you

I will cast my cares
You have always cared

His yoke is easy
His burden is light
I have decided
I'm gonna fix my eyes
On the perfector
The author of my faith
Jesus Christ

You are greater
Greater than the fight
That rages for my life
I have found my rest is in
You are brighter
Breaking through the night
Lighting up my sight
I have seen my rest is in You
---------------------------------

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, our yokes and burdens become light.

So, who's with me for letting Jesus carrying our baggage and us carrying his mercies that are new every morning?