The Upward Path

Life is filled with blessings and opportunity, but it is not without its obstacles.

Learning how to deal with a problem or difficult situation is the challenge facing every Christian. Each of us carries a burden of one kind or another whether it comes from sickness,loneliness, financial loss, death, destruction, sin, guilt, or a multitude of other heartbreaking situations. But our Lord makes it possible to bear our own burden and to help others bear theirs.

In Galatians, Paul admonishes us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” 6:2-6. Paul does not use the word “law” here in the legal sense, but rather in the sense of a way of life.
If we are helping others bear their burdens with no thought of getting something in return, we are living in obedience to Christ and walking in His
ways, yet if we have ulterior motives we deceive ourselves.

It is important to note that the Greek word for “burden” in verse 2 means “problems, difficulties, sorrows,” whereas the word “burden” in verse 5 means “cargo.” We all have “baggage” that we carry .... which weighs us down. .......burdens that come upon us through no fault of our own or uncontrollable circumstance may require help from someone else. If we are carrying a load brought on by willful disobedience, we turn to Jesus who invites -all who are “heavy laden” to come to Him and “learn the unforced rhythms of grace” Matthew 11:

If we know someone who is carrying a burden brought on through misfortune or other circumstances we can reach out to him/her in love , allowing the Spirit of Christ to be the strength of encouragement and blessing.
Helping others bear their burdens in the spirit and nature of Christ is the fruit of Christ’s followers.

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When you can’t carry on, God will carry you.
When your enemies stand against you, God will stand with you and up for you.
When you’re unsure or feel unsafe, God will protect you.
And, when you don’t know which way to go, God, your Good Shepherd, will lead you.
He created you to need Him and to have your needs met by Him.

.....

Sometimes we fear that if we let our tears fall it will tear down our strength and make us weaker and smaller.
For a long time, I assumed that the weight of my tears would undermine my strength!
But I’ve learned that releasing my sorrows to God doesn’t lead to weakness...instead, it generates HIs supernatural strength.

Crying never washes away our hope into despair. What it really does is help cleanse the 'eyes of our souls' , so we can more clearly see the source of our hope: God Himself. ✟

So, if you need to cry a little today, just do it.
God will strengthen you through your tears.

Psalm 56
8 "Thou tellest my wanderings, put thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
10 In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.
11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."

@Nancy

Oh , both yours are lovely....better than mine. ( not that it is a contest ) xx

....Food for though and 'note to self'.