Get Rid of the Burden, Walk in Freedom

by Sandra Allen Lovelace      @SandraALovelace      #WallflowerWomen

Linda pulled open the door of her tired green Pinto and tossed her Bible and purse across to the passenger seat. A feeling of being on automatic pilot took her to the Loon Pond overlook. Wind rippled the water, sending sequin-like sparkles across her windshield.

She parked and raised a hand to shade her eyes as she scanned for wildlife. Peace penetrated her soul at the sight of two loon chicks riding on their mother’s feathered back. “Wish I had my camera.”

A breeze carried her words out the window as her tan arm stretched to retrieve the paperback copy of the Scriptures. Communication with her heavenly Father was always the answer when ugliness threatened. Matthew 11 took her heart back to the days when Jesus taught crowds by the Sea of Galilee. Her mind paused at the final verses.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).*

“Hmmm, what’s that little note?” The pages fluttered as she searched for the reference.

Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16).

“How interesting. Jesus is quoting the Old Testament.” Her ears pricked to the loon’s call. “Yes, Papa Loon. I’d like to live in the rest you enjoy, but I’ve got a yoke to bear.”

Her fingers flipped to the concordance then ran down the list of y words—yoke. “Another Old Testament verse. What do you have to tell me?”

I [God] led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love,
And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws;
And I bent down and fed them (Hosea 11:4).

A review of the Father’s care for His people throughout the Old Testament ups and downs of disobedience and redemption filled her mind. Tenderness surrounded her like a warm embrace. Her shoulders dropped. “My stomach wasn’t hungry, Lord. But my back was weary. Thank you for strengthening me with your love.” Tears ran freely down her cheeks. “I see now that the yoke I was bearing was one of my own making. Please teach me about Yours, the yoke that’s easy and light.”

Whose yoke are you wearing?
Maybe it’s time to check the label.

Sandra

*references are NASB, unless otherwise noted