“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2
Today’s Daily Devotional
Lately, I have been struggling with some personal issues and family problems. As I turned to God in prayer for guidance through them, this verse came to mind. I tried to “block it out” and forge ahead with the requests of my heart; but again this verse kept “blocking” my thoughts. It was so strange that I stopped praying. I really took a moment and allowed the words of this short verse to sink in. Does God really expect me to bear other people’s burdens? I have too many of my own! This was my knee-jerk thought. In my honest reaction to this verse, I instantly realized just how selfish I was. Our problems were never meant to be carried by us alone. We, as the body of Christ, are supposed to pray for each other and trust that God will take care of us and our personal needs. When we get our minds off of ourselves, and trust God to take care of what we need, this opens us up to not only forgetting our own problems and issues, but helps us to focus on being there for others. Reaching out and helping others not only builds a community, it builds relationships. God never meant for us to suffer with our pain and problems in isolation. As we open up or lives and our issues, not only will we be able to receive support, but the wisdom and life experiences of each other. Selfishness paints you in a corner that will never help you with your problems…it will only add to them.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that we do not have to suffer the problems and issues that come with this life alone. Thank you that not only have you provided the comfort of the Holy Spirit in prayer, but the community of other believers that I can regain my strength in. Please send me friends that love you that I can trust. As I open myself up, I am vulnerable. I know that this is necessary if I am to develop normal and healthy relationships. Help me to reach out and pray for others, and put me on the hearts of the ones who were called to pray for me. Build my network of prayer friends, and as we come together with our problems and issues, leaning on you to get us through it, help us to encourage each other. In Jesus’ precious name, I stand against my own selfish nature and ask that God help me to be a blessing, Amen.”