Release Burdens
by Annie Yorty
I recently wrote about several girls in my group at Good News Camp who received new life in Christ. Their eyes lit up as they asked questions and underlined precious promises throughout their entire lunchtime. Even their walk had a certain lightness about it. The remarkable change in their countenance reminded me that Jesus sets us free from self-reliance and makes us free to release burdens to Him.
Self-Reliance
Sin and its penalty of death weighed heavily upon these girls when they woke up on the morning of their spiritual birthday.
They also shouldered other loads that the world had already piled onto their young hearts. Kids today deal with tangled families, worries about school performance, peer pressure, the death of a grandparent, confusion about identity, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and many more concerns.
Whatever the age, anyone who has not received salvation and freedom in Christ must rely on themselves to carry all the burdens of life.
Self-reliance means choosing to stand before God with our own righteousness rather than Christ’s, perhaps with the claim that the good we accomplished outweighs the sin. The Bible unequivocally nixes this strategy by declaring those deeds are “nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). They will never pass muster.
Anyone without the Savior must also bear all the cares of this world. They must attempt to guide themselves, figure out answers to life’s questions, and fix problems—all on their own. Though many try, this burden is more than any of us can bear.
Free from Self-Reliance
When we humbly submit to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He frees us from the need to rely on ourselves. He immediately covers us with His own righteousness and cancels the death sentence hanging over our heads.
God also assures us we will no longer need to rely on ourselves to provide for our needs.
I own the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalm 50:10 NLT)
This verse from the psalms poetically emphasizes the vast storehouse God owns. From His endless supply, He is ready and willing to attend to His children. He sends His Spirit to live within us and stay by our side through each day to nourish us with all we require to thrive.
Free to Release Burdens
In this world riddled with sin, each day brings its own set of problems. But God promises His new mercies each morning (Lamentations 3:23).
Salvation through Christ means we are free to release burdens by yielding to His Spirit. Jesus invites us to come to Him daily to jettison our load of cares.
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. (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)
Each day we must make a choice to release control of our will, thoughts, emotions, and actions to God’s Spirit to find rest in Him.
Your Burdens Today
Perhaps you’ve been dragging around a backpack full of worries and concerns. Are you burdened by the past, still wounded and bitter? Have you lost hope because of chronic illness? Perhaps your child has gone astray. Maybe financial cares overwhelm you. I wonder if you’ve grown accustomed to the weight and don’t realize the toll it takes on your spiritual, mental, and even physical health.
Walk Unburdened
In the book of Habakkuk, God compares those who trust Him to a sure-footed deer.
God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. (Habakkuk 3:19 ESV)
Think of a nimble, quick gazelle that springs, seemingly weightless, from one rock to the next on a mountain in a rugged wilderness. At the first sign of danger, it ascends to the higher peaks for safety.
I noticed how my young friends at camp had a spring in their steps and their hearts after they received salvation in Christ. With their childlike faith, they simply believed God would care for them.
Each day we must make a choice to release control of our will, thoughts, emotions, and actions to God’s Spirit to find rest in Him. #annieyorty #releaseburdens Share on XWhat about you? Can you imagine life without the need to solve your own problems? A life of rest where you trust Jesus to guide and refresh you? You will experience this reality as you release burdens to Him.
Join the conversation:
What makes it difficult for you to release your burdens to Jesus?
It would be my privilege to join you in prayer for your burdens. Please contact me by email.
I welcome your comments!
Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty
Serve Others
13 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Being “heavy burdened” for the past month or so, I can’t imagine not being able to release my worries, fears, and needs to God. The load is too heavy for us to carry alone. What a great reminder of the freedom we find in Christ ma’am. Thank you and God’s blessings.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for chiming in, J.D. I know Jesus gladly accepts the weight of your burdens. I pray your heart is light despite your circumstances because the Lord is always faithful.
Maggie Rowe
Thank you for this thoughtful post, Annie. My husband grew up in upstate NY first attending and then working at a Good News Camp. As for his wife of 47 years (that would be me), I have carried far too many backpacks filled with worry, and it has bent me low far too many tines. I’m glad you encourage us to let the Lord take those burdens.
Annie Yorty
I never went to camp as a kid, but about eight years ago, someone invited me to serve at a local Good News Camp. Until then, I didn’t realize what I had been missing all my life. I was hooked and now try to spend a couple weeks there every year. Those are always some of the best weeks of the summer. Thank you for visiting and adding your insights to our conversation, Maggie.
Katherine Pasour
I’ve always struggled with giving up control, whether it be to people or to God. I’m so thankful our loving Father was patient with me on the journey and was with me during the struggle. When I was able to release the burden of self-reliance to Him, it was if a mountain had been removed from my shouders. Thank you for reminding me of His gift of grace, Annie.
Annie Yorty
You can probably tell I’m in the same boat as you, Katherine. God is so gentle with us as He teaches us to trust Him. Thanks for visiting and adding to the conversation!
Barbara Latta
We can never be reminded too much about what Christ has done for us. Our spirit has been made new, but our flesh continues to battle against us with the worries of the world around us. When we focus on Christ and Him alone we can win this war that condemns us. So happy for the new life these girls at camp found!
Annie Yorty
Thanks be to God we have everything we need to live unburdened in Christ Jesus. What a loving, caring Savior we have that He doesn’t abandon us to fend for ourselves. Thanks for visiting, Barbara!
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Yvonne Morgan
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message. It is hard to give up control but it is so freeing we actually do it. I keep trying to give it up and pull it back less often. Great message Annie
Annie Yorty
I struggle with the same tug-of-war, Yvonne. But I see God helping me over time to release my desire to carry my own burdens. You’re right–it’s such a release to give it up to Him. Thank you for visiting and adding to the conversation.
Debbie Wilson
Annie, such a good reminder. Technical problems have taunted me this week. Knowing I don’t have to depend on my resources is a great relief as I keep praying for God to work this all out for His glory and my good!
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Debbie. I’m so thankful God will carry every burden, both large and small. He loves us that much.