Text: Isaiah 58; Proverbs 2

Burdens come even to those who are living the abundant life in Jesus Christ. Health issues, family woes, financial challenges face all of us in the natural; ministry decisions, heaviness for love ones who are lost, and concerns within His Kingdom can trouble us in the spiritual. Job said it well, “Man that is born of a woman is of a few days, and full of trouble” (14:1).

The psalmist illustrates in the life of Joseph a burdened life that can be found in obedience. “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free” (Psalms 105:17-20 KJV).

A key to the undoing of a heavy burden is not so much the satisfying of the burden itself, because many of our troubles may not be cured by an instant moment of the miraculous; rather, it is a word from the Lord (“until the time that his word came”) that lets us know the Lord is there and everything will be alright.

As you read Proverbs 2 today, let its counsel becoming exceeding personal; allow the Holy Spirit to place it deep within your heart as He makes application to your specific burden. Take His yoke upon you, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30 KJV) says the Lord.