Podcast Episode 234 - What’s Weighing You Down?
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Do you ever feel like life is weighing you down?
Or maybe the pressures feel like a pair of Spanx two sizes too small?
How do you keep going when you don’t feel like you can take another step?
We’re talking about how to rest when life is weighing you down.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired…like you’re tired of constantly feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
If you desire to release what’s bothering you so you can feel free again.
If you’re ready to enjoy more of your life on the way to where you’re going.
I went backpacking with my Dad and two brothers. About an hour in, my little brother got too tired, and my dad picked him up and carried him. Then I started to wear out under the weight of my pack. My dad carried my pack for me, and the weight dropped off my shoulders.
I couldn’t bear the weight of my backpack, so my father carried it for me. Now I could rest and enjoy our adventure.
How about you? What stress, anxiety or worry is weighing you down?
It’s time to let Father carry your pack and rest in His presence.
1. Cast Your Cares On Father
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.
Anxiety (or, in some translations–Care): dividing and fracturing a person’s being into parts.
We’re literally and figuratively worrying ourselves to pieces from the inside out. We’re fracturing into parts. It’s no wonder anxiety hurts so bad!
Cast = cast upon or throw.
Throw your anxiety and cares on Father…He can handle it.
2. Receive Father’s Peace
Isaiah 26:3 Berean Standard Bible
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind because he trusts in you.
Peace means wholeness, wellness and prosperity both internally and externally. Complete and at peace.
Perfect is the same word as peace - Shalom. Make peace, peace. Double the fun.
There’s also an emphasis added that means it’s not just a little peace but an incredible, GINORMOUS amount of peace!!
Peace means wholeness, wellness and prosperity both internally and externally. Complete and at peace.
But we must receive this peace if we’re going to enjoy it.
3. Trust Father’s Got You
In the Isaiah scripture, Steadfast means to lean, lay, rest, or support.
You can do the same, just like my Dad carried my pack and I rested.
Casting your care on Him is resting. Why? Because you trust when He says He’s got you that He’s got you.
The best way to do this is to pray and imagine yourself giving your issue to Father. Picture yourself taking off that heavy backpack, lifting it as if handing it off to Father. Imagine Him taking it from you. Feel the weight flow out of your body. Hold your hand on your heart and thank Him for carrying your anxiety.
4. Give Up Control
Before Peter told us to cast all our anxiety on Father, he reminded us to humble ourselves.
Most anxiety is caused by our inability to control the situation or person.
We must humble ourselves, realizing we can’t control it all. That’s not our job.
Do the job that you’re responsible for–You.
Homework:
List 1 to 3 people or situations you are anxious about.
Now, pray and give it to God.
When the thoughts return, remind yourself, “Fathers got this and He’s got me. I choose not to control and manipulate the situation. I can rest.”
Don’t let life tear you to pieces, but Trust your Father God, Relying on Him with your whole weight. Rest in His presence.