When life feels too heavy for you

You can still walk with God and carry your own burdens. He won’t take them from you until you surrender them.

The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” (Exodus 33:14)

Feeling safe and feeling rested are two different ideas. I don’t think I realized that until recently. When I’m spending time with God, I always feel safe. But I didn’t experience rest with Him. I always felt like I needed to do more or be more. I wanted to rejoice and praise and be happy in His presence, because that’s what He deserved. It’s what He still deserves—but not if it’s not real.

I can smile and laugh and be cheerful all day long, but if that’s not what’s in my heart, I’m not sure God wants to see it. God wants my heart. Period. No matter what’s in it at the moment.

In God’s presence, there is rest. That’s His promise. When He walks with us, He will carry the things that are too heavy for us. But are you letting Him?