According to Mirriam-Webster the word burden means “load, duty, responsibility, oppress”. My favorite is the archaic definition, “chorus or refrain” and the example given is from Shakespeare, “I would sing my song without a burden; thou bringest me out of tune.” “It means the speaker would like to sing freely without any weight or distraction, but the other person’s influence disrupts that harmony — both literally (by “out of tune” the music) and figuratively (by disturbing the mood).”
Burdens do that: they disturb the mood and disrupt the harmony we so desire. What we need is a burden-bearer. Someone who can carry the load for us. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15) We are blessed to have the One and Only Savior who will bear our burdens. When we go to Him in prayer, we are giving Him our burdens to carry which enable us to “sing freely without weight or distraction”.
I don’t know about you, but I can definitely become weighed down. It’s in the moments when I sit with Jesus and share my thoughts and feelings that the burden becomes less heavy and if I sit long enough, the burden is lifted and I am emotionally lighter.
CEF World Day of Prayer is Wednesday, November 4. Take some extra time this day to pray. Join us in the CEF office from 11:00 a.m.—12:00 or join our committee members at Mountainside Bible Church, 6 Cadbury Street, Pottsville from 6:00—7:00 p.m. We would be privileged to pray for you as you join us in praying for the children of Schuylkill County.
~ Shelley
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