We have all seen someone who looks like they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. In fact, I have felt like I was carrying it on mine. There are times when life gets heavy, frustrating and burdensome, and we feel like we are going to cave in at any moment. What do we do when those times come?
The enemy wants us to believe our burdens are to be carried alone. This is the lie that wears us down, isolates us, tears us apart, and steals our joy and hope. In our times of trouble, the last thing that Jesus wants us to feel is abandoned, afraid or alone. Not once does Jesus ever ask us to face our troubles alone or say, “This one is on you!” Instead, Jesus calls us into community with Him. Then He asks us to come into community with one another by carrying each other’s burdens. Why? Because it is the fulfillment of God’s law:
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Sharing The Responsibility
The definition of a burden is “something that is carried, a duty or responsibility”, as defined by Webster. As believers, when one of us is burdened, we all share in the responsibility. We need to be ready to listen, pray and help carry the burdens of sisters and brothers in Christ. It doesn’t mean all burdens will be taken away, but they will become lighter. The power of sharing burdens in community not only protects, strengthens, encourages and offers hope to the person who has the burden, but also those who are helping. This is the love of Jesus in action!
The enemy loves it when we become so self-reliant that we miss the blessing and opportunity of helping others and allowing them to help us. We often allow our pride to stand in the way of healing. Admitting you need help does not mean you are weak or defeated. It means you are smart! In fact, it is the wise person who realizes and understands the body of Christ belongs to and needs each other. Paul writes:
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Romans 12:3-6
God created us for community. Community isn’t perfect because we’re not perfect people, but it makes life a whole lot better when we share our burdens rather than trying to carry the weight of the world on our own shoulders. For balance, note that the key word here is “share” the burdens, not dump your burdens on others expecting them to carry the entire load and fix your situation, while you are doing nothing for yourself.
Are you struggling with a burden that you are trying to carry all alone? There is a solution to the problem, but are you willing to do it? It means making yourself vulnerable to others and admitting that you need help.
The One Who Carries the Weight of the World
There are times we don’t even realize how heavy our burden is until we lay it down. Laying your burden down allows your heart to take a deep breath and gather your strength to keep moving forward. No one is immune to the heaviness that life can bring.
Don't waste precious time and energy carrying something by yourself that God never intended for you to carry alone. Share on XDon’t waste your precious time and energy carrying something by yourself that God never intended for you to carry alone.
There is only one man who could ever handle the weight of this world and His name is Jesus. Jesus carried the weight of this world on His shoulders, so we would never have to know the cost of carrying a burden alone.
Whatever burden you are carrying today, let someone help you! Carrying one another’s burdens builds faith and makes everyone stronger!
This is amazing. I’ve been a fault of this and have carried the weight of things others were dealing with when they decided they didnt want to deal with it anymore. its something years ago I had to learn to stop doing.
Hi, Heather!
I know what you mean Heather! I have been there myself and had many lessons I have learned along the way. I’m glad you were able to recognize it and not continue to burn yourself out! We can’t carry it all by any means!
I think us moms are the ones that need to hear this even more! We are always putting ourselves last which we believe to be selfless. You can’t take care of others though if you are burnt out. Asking for help does not mean failure. Everyone has burdens they can’t handle alone.
Hi, Theresa!
I agree 100 percent! In order to care for others we have to know the importance of caring for ourselves in all aspects of our lives. Our children need to see healthy habits too!
Admitting you need help IS smart! I totally support you here. We are here to help one another so there’s no point in making yourself go through something alone!
Hi, Chelsea!
You nailed it! We need each other! God knew it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone so God made Eve. This was how important God knew we needed someone. No one is meant to do life alone!
I copy and pasted/printed/need it stuck on my forehead the following…
Whatever burden you are carrying today, let someone help you! Carrying one another’s burdens builds faith and makes everyone stronger!
We are coming up on our busiest time of year in ministry and I needed this blog more than I knew. Isn’t God just grand how He speaks through you to me. (goosebumps)
Hi, Sue!
You are coming up on a busy time, but God will give you the strength and manpower you need. I will be praying for you and the staff. Please keep me posted for your prayer requests! Those kids are blessed beyond words with your ministry! We are FAITH BUILDERS! I love you so much!!!!!
I love the fact that you mentioned the smartness of a person lies in realizing that they need help and it doesn’t mean they are weak or defeated
Hi, Neethu!
Admitting we are struggling is exactly what God wants us to do so we can become empowered through the people He provides for us! No shame in asking for help!
Lovely message. I think supporting one another, and helping each other to carry the burden is important.
Hi, Katie!
You are right! It is important! God wants to help each of us carry our load. The world loves it when we crumble under the pressure, but Jesus says, Come unto me all those with a heavy load and I will give you rest. What a beautiful promise!
I have been shocked a number of times to discover that I was carrying far more than God wants me to.
Hi, Alice!
I have been shocked and still am shocked at what I think I can carry only to find out that once again it wasn’t for me to carry. Every day is a learning experience!
Very inspirational read! I love it – be the sparkle!
Hi, Autumn!
Thank You for your encouraging words! I’m glad you were inspired! Thanks for sharing your sparkle with me 🙂
What a nice message.
Hi, Lane!
Thank You for your kind words.
Sheila,
Thank you for shedding light on a necessary topic and thank you for being one of the greatest burden sharers of my life. You, my friend, live the words of Paul so eloquently.
Praying for your burdens to be lightened by the presence of the King of Kings!
Hi, Toni!
You do the same for me. I don’t know how I have been so blessed to have such amazing women who gladly carry my yoke with me. Blessings and Love!
Sheila you have LIVED Galatians 6.2 for me. You have carried my burden. You are an incredible friend and sister to me. ❤️❤️❤️
Oh Cathy,
You have done the same for me! Much love to you my sweet sister and friend!