Jeff Ray, longtime professor at Southwestern Seminary, used to say to his students, “Young men, be kind to everyone because everyone is having a hard time.” He was right. Some burdens are seen. But some of the deepest and most powerful ones aren’t. If we but knew the battles people were fighting, we would be more understanding of them.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each person’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.” Some people live under the burden of constant and intense pain, some under the fear of recurring cancer, some under the grief of a lost child or mate, some under the anguish of divorce, and some with the disappointments and heartaches of their children.
What can we do with life’s burdens? The Bible gives us three answers. It says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens ... for every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:2,5) and “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee” (Psalm 55:22).
1. We are to bear one another’s burdens. Life sometimes places a crushing blow on people. It may come in the form of a moral collapse, sickness, suffering, financial reversal, marital difficulties, emotional strains, or business pressures. Whatever the source, we are to be sensitive and sympathetic to people who are having a hard time in life. We should all feel a responsibility to help others in times of difficulties.
The church of Jesus Christ especially is to be a laughing, living, and lifting fellowship. We are to avoid at all cost a conceited and critical attitude toward others who are down and out. Rather, in love, we should seek to help people through their difficult times.
2. We should bear our own burdens. There are some things we must work out for ourselves. There are some duties that no one else can help us with. We have a responsibility to God for our own sins and conduct. We cannot forever blame others for the way we are. If we are irritable, cross, moody, or jealous, that is our own fault and we must deal with it on our own. Christians are not to be lazy or careless in their duties and obligations and not expect others to do for us what we will not do for ourselves. Christians are not to be parasites who depend upon the government or benevolent societies for handouts. When we need help, we of course will accept it gratefully and humbly. But as soon as possible we will get on our feet so that we can help others.
3. We should cast our burdens upon the Lord. Through prayer and faith we should share our needs with the heavenly Father. When we do that, he has promised to “sustain” us. He does not promise to deliver us from our burdens, only to strengthen us while we carry them. Our prayer ought to be, “Lord, either lighten my burden or strengthen my back.” Most often he will do the latter.
Is your burden one of sorrow? Temptation? Anxiety? Sin? Cast it upon the Lord and he will sustain you. But someone will say, “Christianity is nothing but a crutch for crippled people. To this, I reply, “That’s partially right. Christianity is a crutch, but who is limping?” If you have a burden too heavy to bear by yourself, find a Christian brother or sister in Christ and share it. Above all, share your burden with the Lord and he will give you the strength to stand up under it.