Relieve the troubles of my heart \u201cCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. My sin had weighed me down through a yoke of slavery and burdened me – I carried a burden (baggage) of residue from all the experiences. All the experiences of my past had become a part of me and influenced how I carried myself, how I saw myself, how I thought others saw me. When I committed to make different choices and follow God\u2019s path, who I was before still played like a movie reel in my mind. This was a heavy burden I felt very tangibly. In layers, as I opened my hands around this past that I was clutching onto, Jesus took it, and showed me that before Him, I was utterly forgiven. He showed me that He saw me as if those choices had never been made.<\/strong><\/p> Journal Entry, Age 25 When memories come back and haunt you, or try to trick you into thinking you\u2019ll benefit from sitting with them and replaying them, remember that Jesus took them when He took that burden at the cross. He took all those experiences that weighed you down, and gave you His light and easy burden in its place (in my case, a flower!).<\/strong>*<\/p> Many people spend their lives being angry over what was done to them. As followers of Jesus, we can actually be washed, be free, LOVE our enemies; where memories have NO HOLD ON US ANYMORE.<\/strong><\/p> \nAre you still carrying around a bag from your past? What\u2019s in your bag? \u201cHe restores my soul. Restore us, Lord God Almighty; \u201cI have swept away your offenses like a cloud, *This theme continues in Personal Challenge #9<\/p>
and free me from my anguish.
Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
Psalm 25:17-18<\/em><\/p>
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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.\u201d
Matthew 11:28-30<\/em><\/p>
My friend shared a picture she saw when we prayed: You were encouraging me to GIVE YOU the huge bag that I\u2019d been dragging around with me for so long. All You wanted me to carry was a flower. You held out a flower for me to take \u2013 with fuchsia petals and a bright yellow center.<\/strong><\/p>
\n\u25cf Things you\u2019ve done
\n\u25cf Things you\u2019ve seen
\n\u25cf Things done to you
\nWhat is God asking you to do with your baggage? Ask Him what He\u2019s asking you to carry instead?\n<\/strong> <\/p>Restored<\/h3>
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
for the sake of His name.\u201d
Psalm 23:3<\/em><\/p>
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
Psalm 80:19<\/em><\/p>
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you.\u201d
Isaiah 44:22.<\/em><\/p>