Whose Burden?

"I have glorified You on the earth

by completing the work You gave Me to do."

John 17:4, HCSB

When The List becomes a burden and overwhelms (as it will more frequently as the year hastens toward its conclusion), it helps me to pause, to step back, to look up, to evaluate:

Whose burden is this?

These items on the list, these burdens in my pack, are they really God's portion for me for this day? Or have I added them out of my own ambition and proud drivenness to achieve? Or have others' expectations added them to my pack? Or is that pressure I feel the world system trying to squeeze me into its mold? Or am I simply trying to carry the whole week's load at once, as is my wont?

Have I left room for put delight in God and His Word on the list before everything else?

In truth, I'm not very good at this. It's easy to overwhelm myself with good plans and projects that are not my assignment, at least not right now. My ideas almost always exceed my resources.

Today, though, or at least this moment, my pack is lighter for having stopped to discern. Some things are set aside for tomorrow; some, perhaps indefinitely. On another day, the remaining burden may still be too heavy for my shoulders. In either case, in the midst of the day's duties I may rest in the confidence that Jesus is my yokefellow and that God's grace is sufficient, somehow, for the carrying of His appointed load for this day. The impossible can become possible through His strength, and through the attempt He is glorified and my trust grows stronger. When my best efforts fall short, I can rest in His unchanging acceptance and continuing labors while I sleep.

"Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34, HCSB

These words from Anselm (1033-1109) humble and encourage me in practicing trust and rest today:

Come now, little man,
turn aside for a while from your daily employment,
escape for a moment from the tumult of your thoughts.
Put aside your weighty cares,
let your burdensome distractions wait,
free yourself awhile for God
and rest awhile in him (quoted in D. Jeffrey Bingham, Pocket History of the Church, 87).

Alternately, here is David's expression of the same invitation:

Rest in God alone, my soul,
for my hope comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, 
my stronghold; I will not be shaken (Psalm 62:5-6, HCSB).

Dear friend, may you find the rest Jesus offers today, no matter what you find in your pack and on your list. Busy or quiet, may God fill your heart with His peace and security.

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P.S. My lovely friend Amy is hosting a tea giveaway at her blog in honor of her first blogging anniversary. If you like tea as we of Wits' End do, won't you bless her by stopping by to leave an encouraging comment? If you do so by Sunday at 4 pm (US CST), you might be the one blessed with her generous gift.