That sinking feeling
I pass this boat most days on my puppy walk. It doesn’t have a leak. It’s unused and unloved and has filled up with river gunk. It will sink if no-one empties it out.
We’ll sink if we don’t attend to our souls.
Take a moment to think what might sink you. We don’t always notice stuff we’re carrying – like when the black hole that is my handbag is laden with small change and general detritus which does nothing but weigh it down.
What’s weighing you down?
Anxieties? With Jesus, there is peace. Cast your cares on the Lord of the universe for he cares for you. (1 Peter 5.7).
Tiredness? With Jesus, there is rest for your heavy-laden soul. He doesn’t whip us into shape; his loving voice calls us to find rest with him.
Expectations? With Jesus, there is freedom. Carrying the weight of expectations, whether from others or ourselves, can drag us down – expectations of success or relationships that were never from God. What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 5:8)
Jealousy? When Peter is tempted to be jealous of John, the risen Jesus simply calls his attention back to the main thing and says “Follow me!” - his final words in the gospels. There’s nothing to be gained from comparing my story to others. I could play that game when I spot someone whose life has gone more smoothly than mine but I walk most lightly when my eyes are set on following Jesus, trusting he cares for my soul. Jealousy looks sideways, Jesus leads us forward.
Sorrow? The weight of sadness can be crushing but our God binds up the broken-hearted and tenderly lifts our heads. With Jesus there is joy.
How about sin and shame? With Jesus is salvation. Our Saviour bore the great burden of our sins. Oh, the wonder.
What about the call to holiness? Satan mangles truth to convince us that holiness is a harsh load to bear. The opposite is true. I love what John writes, “God’s commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). They come from love and we are empowered by love to fulfil them. Our God’s way is not a burdensome way for as John goes on to say, “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world”. With Jesus, there is victory.
We can bring him that sinking feeling – whatever it is. With Jesus, there is unfailing love to lift us up.
Praise God who daily bears our burdens. (Psalm 68.19).