Burdens…Busted!

This morning I was awakened by a burden and immediately knew that my joy was gone! As I prepared to step out on “The Stoop” it became clear what my joy stealer was: a burden for one of my daughters. So I headed for the door.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. ~1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

As I opened the front door though to walk out to The Stoop, the noise hit me. Birds were congregated in the trees just outside… and the noise from their “convention” was almost deafening. I even commented to my dog Buster, “Wow buddy, it’s noisy out here!” He just looked at me like, “Really, Mom?” But we went on outside. I was determined NOT to let this deter me from meeting with the Lord… and to The Stoop I went. I was also determined to bust this burden.

The enemy will place many obstacles in our way to keep us from conversing, communing, and interacting with the Lord. Whatever he can conjure up, he will try anything. He wants us to keep our burdens. But if we stay focused, those things won’t have any affect on us. Because quite frankly, NOTHING can keep us from the Lord. If we sincerely seek Him, He’ll be there!

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NKJV)

As I approached my desired spot to bring my cares to the Lord, before I could utter a word, the burden hit me and the tears began. I couldn’t contain them, and I couldn’t contain my burden any longer. So I poured it out, spilling the fact that I didn’t even know WHAT to pray FOR, but that I had such a burden and such a love for my daughter…and God knew that already. He knows how I feel about all my kids, my in-law kids, and my grand-kids. He knows the depth of my love for each of them and the depth of my burdens for them. And He knows how deeply I feel for HIM. So I stood there, tears streaming, crying out to Jesus… and unbeknownst to me, it got quieter, and quieter… and so did I. Because one by one, the Lord dried my tears, replacing them with a drop of peace here, and a drop of peace there.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ~2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

Before long a soft breeze, blew across my face. I breathed it in and immediately felt so calm. That’s when I noticed it: Quiet. The birds had gone. I opened my eyes to the beautiful scenery I always have when I’m out on The Stoop, but the peace that surrounded me was as breathtaking as the scenery, maybe more. And I knew I wasn’t alone.

Whenever you have a burden, bring it to the Lord. No matter where you’re at. He will meet you there, He promises. And while you may not be able to feel His presence, you WILL notice what He does in and around you.

“I cried out with no reply and I can’t feel You by my side, so I’ll hold tight to what I know…You’re here…and I’m never alone!” ~Barlow Girl, Never Alone

Is there something you need to meet with God about today?

Shelley Wilburn

Shelley Wilburn has been writing since the age of twelve. She loves stories and adventures, and often finds herself getting into mischief with any one of her six grandchildren. She has written several articles and devotionals over the years for various newspapers, women's magazines, and newsletters. She has also co-authored devotionals. Shelley began writing full-time in 2012 after being healed of over 40 years of depression and anxiety. Using her love of writing, and wearing mismatched socks, Shelley has developed a unique ministry of encouraging others using biblical truths and stories from her own personal life. When not writing, you can find Shelley and her husband of over 30 years, D.A. zipping down the road in their newest adventure-maker, a bright orange, Mustang convertible Shelley has laughingly dubbed The Pony.