Sacred Memory Series: Bear Each Other’s Burdens
Lois Hillman of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. -Psalm 147:3
Even though I was blessed with positive energy, there was a time when my family found ourselves with a very serious financial situation in which we could lose everything. Instead of being the positive one I became very depressed, as it was just too much for me to handle. It seemed to suck me dry of emotion and compassion to the point where I couldn’t even relate to my family. I didn’t like whom I was becoming, but I didn’t seem to know how to make it better.
I woke up one morning thinking about our church reunion that was about to start, but I was too depressed to get out of bed. As I lay there feeling sorry for myself, I felt a nudging that wouldn’t stop. I tried to disregard it, but I kept feeling the need to attend the prayer service. Finally, no longer able to ignore the call, I got up and walked to where the reunion was being held.
As I stepped into the room, I became keenly aware of several people who were carrying burdens that they could not bear alone. God had called me there to pray for these people. Through my own burdened state, God had beckoned to me to take God’s yoke and to walk with these people as God gave them rest. As I silently prayed for the individuals, I knew precisely who and what to pray for and that the prayers would be answered.
I walked home from that service a different person, no longer absorbed in my own worries. I had answered God’s call and had taken God’s yoke upon me. I found God to be gentle and humble in heart, and I found rest for my soul. I had looked beyond myself.
Our difficulties were still there, but the heavy burden that was weighing me down was gone. I was no longer carrying my burden alone. I had peace and strength as we went through the process of solving the problems we were having. I knew that I was not alone, for I had heard God’s invitation.
Prayer Phrase
“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you…” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
Spiritual Practice
Sacred Memory
Spend time journaling or reflecting on significant memories that have shaped your life. Allow the following questions to guide you: What memories from your life impact how you encounter and respond to the world around you today? When has sacred memory in you become a path into the future?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
