Give your burdens to Jesus

Jesus hears your groans and exasperations. He listens to every whisper of frustration and ache of despair in the face of rent or medical costs. He knows of every moment caught in workaholism and the urge to fund an expensive lifestyle.

If your finances burden you and make you weary, drag your heavy-laden heart to Jesus.

He gives rest to “all who labor and are heavy laden.” (Matthew 11:28). “Labor” is often translated as “weary.” Jesus’ audience likely thought of the restrictive legalism of the Pharisees and Scribes, but his words remain significant for us.

When ambition begins to choke us out of spiritual or family life, when the next check is uncertain, the bills threaten to overwhelm us, and when major purchases or life’s messiness interferes with our plans, Jesus promises that we will find rest for our souls.

At the outset, let that wonderful truth sink in and salve your heart: Jesus promises to give you rest.

A yoke is a wooden harness that pulls a plow behind two oxen or donkeys. The easiness of the yoke refers to it fitting well. Jesus’ yoke is intentional and personal, fitted to each one of us because he knows us.

Your desires and the world made have made a heavy, chaffing, and ill-fitted yoke for you. Trade it for Jesus’ burden and open your heart to learn from him. He knows you and will shepherd you gently.

Under Jesus’ load, you have nothing to lose. He will reward you for faithfulness and forgive you when it’s squandered. His compassion overwhelms sin, and his power protects you.

His intentions for us are good and caring. Instead of trusting in yourself, turn to trust in him.

And we can learn from our savior, “gentle and lowly of heart,” by listening to what he teaches about money.

Tomorrow, we will look at Jesus’ teaching of stewardship.

Jesus’ burden is not a legalistic one where we fear our master’s punishment; it is one of joy in return for faithfulness with what we’re given. That means no matter how much, or how little money you have, no matter how much debt, every one of us has a path of trust that leads to joy.

What expectations in finances are placed on you?

Number them.

What burdens are most heavy right now?

Consider them.

Take all of these in prayer and talk about them with Jesus.

Take your anxieties and cast them on Jesus in prayer, committing to trust in him no matter your lot.