There was a huge barge caught on a sandbar, too heavy to move.
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5 NLT)
There was a woman caught in her present, so laden with grief, cares, and fears she couldn’t move.
“[Cast] all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)
There was a man caught in his past, so laden with regrets, shame, and anger he couldn’t move forward.
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)
There was a woman caught in a moment, so deeply hurt by those she thought loved her, that her anger and pain had trapped her in raw hate.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NRSV)
There was a man burdened with worry and pain for those he loves, unsure which way to go, wondering what the future held and how to move forward.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)
There is a God who hears and sees it all. Heaviness, sorrows, fears, cares, grief, shame, anger, regret, pain, hurt, burden, confusion, and so much more. All of it.
His voice is gentle, simple.
“Give it to me. All of it. Trust me with it. I went to the cross to release you from sin. Now let me lighten your burdens, let me take care of your struggles, trust me with your load. I want you to be able to float again and to move forward.”
“A heart at peace gives life to the body…” (Proverbs 14:30 NIV)
After much … the men and the women … gave their burdens to Jesus.
After much effort the barge was unloaded.
Then – unburdened – they could float again and move forward.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
God,
Thank you for the gift of life you gave us through your Son and the Breath of Life you pour into us through Holy Spirit. Help us to trust you and give you all our burdens, no matter what, and allow you to lighten us. Help us move forward in life, knowing you have never forsaken those who seek you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:9-10 NIV)
“Moving Forward”
“What a moment you have brought me to
Such a freedom I have found in you
You’re the healer who makes all things new, yeah, yeah, yeah
“You have risen with all power in your hands
You have given me a second chance
Hallelujah, hallelujah, yeah, yeah, yeah
“I’m not going back, I’m moving ahead
Here to declare to you my past is over in you
All things are made new, surrendered my life to Christ
I’m moving forward
“Yes, you make all things new and I will follow you forward”
by Israel Houghton / Ricardo Sanchez “Moving Forward” lyrics © Indeep Music, Integrity’s Praise! Music, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, Sound Of The New Breed, Ricardo Music Dot Com, New Breed Extended