A Burdened Heart

I saw this title in a magazine, "An Unburdened Heart", I get where the author was going with their article on forgiveness and how our heart should be free from sin. But, I couldn't help but think about it in a different way. My mind immediately went to the burdens we carry for others. Their hurts, their pain, their suffering. Are we burdened or unburdened?

A basic definition of burden is : that which is carried, a load; that which is born of difficulty or obligation.  In today's society we try to steer clear of that which is burdensome. You hear things like, "I hate to be a burden" or "That's a heavy burden to bear." We opt for the easy, the light load, or the happiest of feelings. We run from burdens. Jesus ran to them. He sought them out. He favored the lowly and was so moved by compassion he carried our burdens to the cross.

In response to him carrying our burdens, we are obligated to carry the burdens of others even in the midst of carrying our own. Perhaps, this is the single most gift we are given as Christians. When we only focus on our own problems somehow they seem bigger. But, in the midst of reaching out our trials seem smaller or more distant. They don't go away and we still have to face them. But, often in our trials we have a choice to allow them to take us out or refocus our eyes on others. Some of my biggest burdens have later become my biggest passions.

Carrying someone's burden isn't ever about fixing it, it is simply being obedient to what God asks of you. You play a small part in a big plan. Small isn't something we do well with. We want bigger, better, all or nothing. As God has lead us on a journey of mission work in Africa, my heart has been burdened for many things. However, I  have to listen and trust God to show me where my efforts should be focused and what the best plan of action is and then follow through. My burden turns into action, but only by his leading. However, I have no doubt, he wants me to do something.

Where and what have you been burdened by? Where have you turned away because it was just too much? I challenge you to take a small step. You might feel like it won't make a difference. Trust me, it will. Love in any form is never small. Be burdened and see where God leads.