A Lighter Load to Carry

I have this dream of backpacking around the world some day. At times I’ll find myself drifting off in my imagination and visualizing all the places I’ll go and wonderful people I’ll meet, the conversations we’ll have. Travel is something very close to my heart, I’m sure that seed was planted and cultivated throughout my whole life as my parents would zip us around the country and globe on excursions.

I’ve often thought about what I’d pack in the rucksack that would be my constant companion. Carrying a lighter load is key to enjoying the trek. Bringing the common essentials most definitely, but there’s also a few items that are essential to me that may not necessarily be essential to others. For instance, I’d have to have something to write with. Whether it’s pen and paper or my laptop; being able to write and journal every day is essential to me. Packing that rucksack is a lot like looking at the uniqueness of who we are as individuals, but also the unique purpose and calling on our lives.

What are we really meant to carry as we walk out this thing called life?

This is something I’ve been exploring with God over the past year, and what He’s shown me has been life altering. He’s shown me that the things He asks me to let go of are things I was never meant to pick up, let alone held onto for so long. Jesus never asks us to be anything other than who we were created to be. When we try to walk in someone else’s anointing or be/act like someone else we simply add unnecessary weight to the bag that was packed with such intimate and intentional detail by our Creator.

Trying to be something we’re not isn’t the only thing that slows us down, carrying around things of this world will do the same. We were never created to carry un-forgiveness, shame, distrust, cynicism, anger, fear, doubt, pride, greed or rejection. But yet, we carry these things around in our heart (sometimes for years) and wonder why we aren’t thriving in life. Heavy loads like this will slow us down, distort the view in which we see life and others. We are created for relationship, relationships that are rooted in love. Loving others doesn’t come easy when you are harboring the unnecessary.

So when is the last time you sat down with the Father and let Him unpack your bag? When is the last time you allowed Him to remove the unnecessary and restore the essential?

If the answer is ‘never’ or ‘it’s been awhile’, as someone who knows the weight of that; I urge you to sit in His Presence and unload, as He strengthens and restores you. You are far too precious and important not to. Seasons of healing are necessary and critical to our ability to move forward in anything. Our intimacy and walk with the Lord is no different.

So friend, if any of this resonates with you I pray you rest and allow the unnecessary to be thrown away as He ministers to your heart. He’s gentle and kind, intentional and patient. He’s ready, so very willing, and able to heal every part of you if you’ll give Him the chance.

You are worth it, you are loved.

Hill

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise.” - Jeremiah 17:14