Loosen the Weight

By Laurie May 23, 2018 Devotion

Added weight, no matter where it is added, has it’s own set of problems. Anyone traveling by way of air knows that any luggage that goes over the weight limit will either be tossed or fined. Paying a highway toll will also be measured by weight; how many axles will determine the amount owed to the highway department. Adding weight to our waist also comes with a toll of it’s own; too much added weight will cause health issues and slow us down. Being weighed down can be a real problem.

Recently, I had a box that I needed to move from downstairs to the upstairs. It was weighted down with old photographs and books. There once was a day that lifting that box would not have been a problem, but in recent ~~days,~~ ~~months~~, perhaps years, I have put on a extra pound or two and I am not the most well toned person I once was. I have to admit, going up the stairs with that extra weight (in the box and on my hips) was a real struggle.

God does not want us to be weighted down with anything that will tangle us up or cause our steps to become impossible…

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

The above mentioned scripture is a great reminder that we are to “strip off” anything that might get in our way or that may tangle us up. We all know that any good athlete would not run a marathon with layers of heavy clothing on. In fact, such a runner would enter the race dressed as lightly as possible so as to not be hindered by the extra weight from their clothes. Likewise, Paul is encouraging us to let go or strip off anything that is preventing us from running our race to the best of our ability.

I’m not sure what kind of things weigh you down? Perhaps it is worry or shame or unforgiveness or something else. Whatever it may be, I know that the extra weight that you carry is like me trying to move that box upstairs. The more added weight there is, the harder it is to take the next step.

God wants us to loosen the weight that burdens us down. Like any kind of weight gain, the best way to move more easily is to simply lose a pound or two. The best way for our weight to be lifted is to give all those things that have us feeling overweight to God…

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion Who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding It’s shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2)

If you are feeling overwhelmed and perhaps alittle overweight today, ask God to reveal to you the “extra” pound or two that you are carrying and ask God to strip it away from you. You will not only feel lighter but the next step that you take will become easier and more steady.

BLESSINGS. Laurie