Carrying His Own Cross

John 19:17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).

I have been enjoying listening to Pandora internet radio of late (insert standard disclaimer about no product endorsement).  The channel I have been listening to is Instrumental Praise Radio.  Normally I gravitate towards a more contemporary worship style and music.  Yet, for what ever reason the classical style of music just seems to work while writing devotionals during Lent.  The mixture of classical hymns and some of the newer worship songs helps me focus.  And I suspect the subtle reminder in the classical hymns (such as Nearer My God To Thee) that we are never far away from the Lord.  As Jesus was dragging his cross along the road to Golgotha He had to have been comforted by the presence of His Father.  During a time of supreme testing, and pain to the point of agony His Father was ever present.

            There are times in our lives when we have our own cross to carry.  Life is just like that at times.  We are not exempt from times of trial and suffering just because we are Christians. No where is scripture can you find a get out of trial free card.  We are in fact told we will endure suffering.  Jesus even tells us in Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”  We all have a cross (or two) to bear.  It may be religious persecution from a world that grows increasingly hostile towards expressions of Christian faith and principles.  Our cross may be carved out from illness, disease or injury.  The cross we bear may of a deep emotional hurt brought about by betrayal, or loss.  Regardless of the cause, how we carry our cross really does matter.  We can carry the full weight ourselves, or we can let God do the heavy lifting.  When we try to carry the load ourselves we can be assured of failing miserably and sometimes very dramatically.  We see examples of this in the headlines when suicide is the method chosen to escape whatever struggle a person is going through. Or a rash act of violence committed in rage against some perceived evil is the vehicle of choice to seek resolution to their pain.  But letting God do the heavy lifting, to give up our burdens to God is the right thing to do.  Jesus shares this advice with us in Matthew 11:29-30. “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.”

            When we turn to the Lord in prayer in times of trial, just as in times of good, we let Him do our lifting. We open our hearts and pour out to our Father our troubles. We let the Lord take on that which we need not carry by ourselves. We have a choice. We can continue to carry our burdens, like the heavy baggage we sometimes try to carry on a trip. Or we can lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross.  Friends of the risen Savior, lift up your worries in prayers and lay your burdens down.

Prayer: Almighty God You alone can carry the weight of the world upon Your shoulders.  We often forget that our strength comes from You. Help us Lord o remember to lay our burdens down and come to You in prayer more often. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.