Holy Week: Carry the Cross

After Jesus was beaten, He became too weak to carry His own cross. The soldiers commanded a man in the crowd to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha. It was a burden that was not his, yet he carried it (Matthew 27:27-33).

Some of our burdens and troubles are things that we have created because of our own choices, our selfishness, and our humanity. But many of us also carry burdens that are not of our own making.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Beloved, Jesus' desire is not for you to carry heavy burdens. His death on the cross was to free you! It is for freedom that Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1).

In your journal, take time to name the burdens that are weighing you down. Then write a prayer to the Lord, intentionally giving your burdens to Him. Finish by asking God to help you leave them with Him because He is more than capable of bearing any burden we may have.

If you find yourself trying to shoulder your burdens again this week, go back and reread the prayer you wrote as a reminder of your commitment to lay them down and God's promise to give you rest from your burdens.

(To connect with others on this prayer journey, you can join our community group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/resilientfaithprojectcommunity.)