The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. (Ps. 28:7)
The world teaches independence and success. From the moment we are born the goal is to learn to accomplish various tasks without the assistance of anyone else. From learning to “go potty” to feeding ourselves to becoming financially sufficient, our success is rooted in our ability to prove to others we can do it on our own. I strive to become the top performer at work. I attempt to make all my kids events. I volunteer whenever I can. I help out at church. And, I provide the listening ear to those in need. Yet, everything I do is based on my own strength and how much I can accomplish without asking for help.
The psalmist taught differently. He pointed out that in our own strength we are defeated. We cannot overcome evil or face the obstacles of life effectively. However, we can surrender our independence and become dependent on God. The psalmist leaned into the strength and power of the Lord. He cried out to God and trusted him to protect and provide.
We are not meant to bear our burdens alone. Jesus Christ died so we might be reconciled to the power, protection, and provision of God. We simply need to accept Christ as our Savior and then place our burdens at the foot of the cross. He can and will be our fortress.
Release to God a burden that has weighed you down recently.
Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
