Lay That Burden Down
By: Maxine M.

Joe had given his heart to Jesus as a young man…trusted Him for guidance in the way to go
Relied on Him; felt sure only GOOD things his future days would show
But along his daily route, frustration, trouble and affliction life would bestow

So now he trudged along his dusty path; back bowed under a heavy load
Struggling to carry his oppressive burden, passers-by wondered, was this from a debt he owed?
What could weigh him down this much; what was he transporting on this cumbersome road?

Fatigued, he walked mile after mile with no relief anywhere in sight
Suddenly an angel appeared beside him dressed in a garment gleaming white
Son!! This IS the road to Heaven; shouldn’t it be a joyous journey…happy & bright

What is this load to which you seem so firmly attached? Why do you INSIST on carrying that massive sack?
Why not set it down? It’s draining your strength…soon Godly durability you’ll lack
Let’s examine its contents…perhaps there are things you can simply unpack

The 1st item the angel removed was a big thick book entitled “Joe’s Guilty Past”
Inside were pages of sins & mistakes Joe was still holding fast
The angel said, “Joe, those brought you to repentance, but now they are of no value; they’re forgiven at last”

Throw that book away since in the Lamb’s Book of Life, your name is inscribed…forever assured
The angel pulled out pebbles & stones labeled sorrow & grief over LOSSES that had occurred
Despondence, compromised virtue…when forbidden passion & lusts had been stirred

Next the angel discovered a resilient “I must be #1” nature from sibling rivalry participation
THIS should have been abandoned when you answered Christ’s saving invitation
Leave this attitude behind by PUTTING CHRIST 1st…now let’s complete our investigation

The angel found shards of broken vows, oaths unfulfilled and a lifestyle open for debate
Doubt & mistrust over God’s promises…the certainty of a Christian’s fate
Fears, anxiety and apprehensions COLLECTED & held tightly…all adding to the burden’s weight

Even the angel struggled to pull out the next item…it seemed the heaviest of them all
It was clearly marked ANGER…a hot burning wrath, able to make any human fall
Roots of bitterness proceeded from its source, resentment over injustices large & small

Joe argues, “But my anger is JUSTIFIED…the reasons are authentic and real”
People have taken advantage, life’s been unfair…even though its presence I’ve tried to conceal
That’s TRUE, said the angel, but YOU are the one carrying the burden!! That’s not a GOOD deal

The only way to gain relief is through the MIRACLE of forgiveness…an exonerating tone
Even if it’s never sought by the offender, follow the example Jesus from the cross has shown
True forgiveness gives up the right to retaliate…will dissolve anger’s heavy stone

Joe said, “Oh, you are so right…my back now feels so strong & straight”
My steps light and easy, the road ahead bright without the darkness of anger and hate
The journey’s end will bring me into the presence of my Saviour…oh, I can hardly wait!

Now friend, if on YOUR journey you come across Joe’s discarded rock pile
The burden he left by the road-side, AVOID IT…don’t even stop for a little while
And if YOU are carrying a burden, EXAMINE IT…rid yourself of all that can defile

Like Joe, find the joy, peace & contentment that the Christian life and the coming Rapture will bring
Oh there will still be problems, troubles & heartache, BUT if to the Saviour you cling
By letting HIM CARRY the burden, you’ll be free to simply worship & rejoice in everything