Yesterday I drove to Target with my 4 year old Levi. When I pulled in I looked back and Levi was in a dead sleep. It’s that moment where a decision has to be made. I had to weigh my options of waking him up to the melt down of the century or staying parked and giving him a few more minutes to get his nap in. This momma couldn’t bear to go through another melt down so I shortened my Target list and put it in PARK.
I scrolled through face book for a few minutes then I looked up. Target was hopping and people were rushing around frantically getting last minute shopping done. I felt God whisper, “Pray over these people.” I wondered if that was just my mind or was God truly speaking to me. I saw a woman waiting in her car, a man rushing in with this 2 year old, an elderly lady walking slowly to the door.
But what I saw on their shoulders shocked me, God gently nudged my heart and the words “invisible burdens” weighed me down. I started looking at the people differently. This time I envisioned weights on their shoulders, I saw worry in their eyes, and the realization that people “carry” so much burden pierced my heart. I quickly started praying for each person as my eyes met theirs. Each person’s weight they carried represented something, I didn’t know what it was but I came to the conclusion that so many of us CARRY heavy things around with the perception that we have it all together, that the load isn’t heavy, and that if we carry it around long enough maybe someone will notice. I noticed it yesterday and I prayed the Lord will give their hearts PEACE and they would take the burden and GIVE it the ONE who beautifully designed them.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
You may be feeling the weight of the world TODAY and TIRED of it weighing you down, I NOTICE YOU and pray you allow the Lord to sustain you. Close your eyes, whisper it to the ONE who died and LIVES for you, allow HIM to carry it! I pray you feel HIS Peace in your heart and you instantly feel light as a feather.
Life is too short to be burdened alone, God is with you ALWAYS!
Cheri says
Thank you … God is so amazing and thank you Ashley for being obedient to his whispers and your calling.
I needed this❤️?
Dana says
Thank you so much for this beautiful story. I claim it as a word for me as I too go through life rushing and not letting GO and letting God. Today I give my burdens to the Lird knowing he will guide my steps.
Alice Cruz says
That was beautiful. Leave all your burdens in God,s hands. Amen
Tricia C. says
You have NO idea how I needed this RIGHT NOW. I have been asking Him to please help me to slow down and enjoy life instead of always being in a hurry to get to the next place, cook the next meal, rush through the work day so I can rush home and try to get tons of stuff done at home before bedtime. I prayed for him to help me, give me the strength and wisdom I need to stop…take a deep breath… and live. I was so hurried getting things ready for Thanksgiving that I never got to relax and enjoy it and I was in danger of doing the same with Christmas. Several days ago is when I prayed for His help and yesterday and today have been so much more peaceful, there’s just a sense of calm that hadn’t been there. Still busy with work and kids but I am enjoying life and not just breezing through it. Thank you for this and Merry Christmas!!