“I don’t want you to fix it. I just want you to listen.”
I’ve been there. A long day. A difficult experience and all I want from my husband is to sit with me and hear about what happened. In those moments I receive more support and strength by his silent affirmation than from suggestions on how to fix things. I already know what needs to be done and there’s not much my hubby can do to help. I just want a few minutes to acknowledge the pain of the situation together.
But why do I do this to Jesus?
I’ll be in prayer, pouring the fullness of my burdens out at His feet. Then as our time ends, I start gathering my things back up again. “Thanks for listening, Jesus.”
Don’t Just Be Heard. Be Healed.
I limit Jesus in my life by only seeking His pity, not His power. Can you imagine how this would play out in scripture?
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him,
“I will come and heal him.”“That sounds hard. I’m here whenever you want to talk.” Matthew 8:5-7 ESV (+ my crazy words)
And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself,
“If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”“I just need him to know what I’m going through.” Matthew 9:21 ESV (crazy added)
Jesus didn’t go from town to town simply listening to the hardship of others. His compassion moves Him to act on our behalf. Yet here I am, “Jesus, I’m exhausted … Jesus, I really need you in this part of my marriage … Jesus, this thing is going on my with my kid … Okay, thanks for listening.”
The Lord wants us to leave our burdens, not just tell Him about them. It’s the difference between sharing about our lives and entrusting Him with our lives. Last week I wrote about bringing Jesus into my marriage and I’ve been so blessed by the way you all responded. In fact, it prompted this new page on my site explaining how to come to Jesus for the first time. But now, we get to keep coming to Jesus.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29 ESV
I need this reminder all the time, and never more than in the early days of my life as a new mom. When I lacked sleep, and rest—because those things are different—and was trying to find balance in my mothering role. I came to sit with Christ and talk through my problems, and that was a good thing. But Jesus wants to talk with us, not just so He can listen. So He can heal. He’s not a temporary rest point while we take a break from our heavy burdens.
Whatever you’re carrying today, Jesus wants you to leave it at His feet.
