Positive Burdens

Earlier I spoke about how Heavy Burdens can keep us from the freedom and peace we have in Christ.  This happens when we don't give the Lord our troubles.  But did you know that there are many positive things in our lives that can become burdens too?

Many hopes, dreams, and goals we want to achieve occupy much of our attention.  It is good to have visions of a better future and positive goals we are striving to reach. But there is also a time when these assets can become burdens as we become obsessed with them manifesting. The most obvious example would be the person desiring to be in better physical health who might be struggling with losing weight.  Their positive goal becomes an negative obsession as achieving the goal produces constant mediation on everything to do with their weight.  They might starve themselves to lose weight.  Or they might perform other unhealthy cleanses.  Then when the number on the scale doesn't decline in the time they wanted, they berate themselves.  This demeaning and self-depreciating cycle is not what the Lord would have His child to endure. 

Most of the time our dreams need to be partnered with God, but we don't think to included Him in the process.  Instead,  we put our nose to the grind stone and work continually to obtain the results by self-effort, elbow grease, or our own smarts.  These are the methods the world uses to gain wealth.  But Christians have a better way... Jesus wants to work on our behalf. 

As our hands  put to work should be combined with continued communication with the Holy Spirit for direction.  The Spirit can inform us of when to move forward, when to stop, and even when to change directions.  As we listen to God's guidance, our paths will be directed in the way in which God knows is best.  Through His guidance, we be able to avoid pitfalls and other bad circumstances.  Additionally, thankfulness and gratitude to the Lord will also bring awareness of the positive steps you have gained during the journey to your dreams.

And then, there are times when what we think we want isn't really what is best for us.  Changing dreams and goals can be difficult.  It may feel like failure to lay down a dream or when setbacks occur.  By keeping connected to your identity in Jesus and trusting even your dreams to Him, you can have peace in the midst of setbacks.  Failures will be seen for what they truly are: opportunities to learn and grown.  God wants to walk with you in your future.  He will assist you in the journey of growth and the way to your dreams.  Give Him your positive burdens and know He is partnering with you to bring them to fruition.  You will be blessed because of Jesus.

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 “So shalt thou find favor and good understanding
in the sight of God and man.”
Proverbs 3:4

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