Leave the Backpack Behind

I have always enjoyed going on a walk outdoors. When exercising I would rather be outdoors than running on a treadmill any day. There is more to look at and enjoy while exercising and being among nature while being outdoors. It had been a while since I went on a hike and recently had been going through many changes and decisions that were needing to be made.... so, I went on a hike.

As I got ready to go on a short hike, I packed a few things in a backpack just in case I may need a snack or water. I also packed a notebook and my Bible if I decided to stop, listen and pray with God. I looked up hiking trails and went to one close where I live, and it was indeed a beautiful day for a hike. As I started, I thought of what I recently have been trying to figure out decisions and working on my mental health. I prayed for the Lord to be there, for me to listen to Him and spend time with just me and Him. Walking I got to a few hills and one I thought of the weight of my backpack was starting to have half a mile or so in. This is how we carry around our worries, fears, unforgiveness, doubt, questions all the time and every day. God wants us to give Him all of our cares. I thought as I was topping the hill that He already carried the cross, the weight, for us so long ago. Oh, how that must have felt and how long He carried the cross for us.

I remembered a comment I said to my dad when I was struggling with my mental health, "I feel like I am carrying a backpack around with me every day of everything." God wants us to give it up and give it all to Him. We are not strong enough alone and were never meant to carry it all. I finally got to the top of the hill and took my backpack off. I thought of spiritually leaving it there and not bringing it back with me. How so many times we carry things to Jesus and want to leave it, but we still want to take it back and hold on to it. As we don't trust Him to handle it, when He knows us more than we know ourselves.

That day I prayed to release it, release it all. Whatever my story and whatever He wants for Him to lead me there. I prayed for me to forgive others, and for me to forgive myself. Sometimes we end up carrying so much more than we even realize. So, the times when you feel like you are trying to pick it back up what you once left at the feet of Jesus, I pray you ask Him for help once more to release it. He wants to be our daddy and carry the burdens. Trusting in Jesus to carry you through whatever season you are in sometimes can be hard, but once you fully give it to Him you will be free.

I encourage you as I do myself to leave the backpack behind. Leave the weight at Jesus. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:30

For those struggling, Jesus wants us to call on His name. He wants us to want Him and He yearns to have a deep relationship with us. I believe at times we go through trials in life for our faith to grow deeper for the Lord, for us to realize though things change in life, people leave us, our finances may deplete, and our health may fade, Jesus is the only thing that remains the same. Sometimes in life when you are at your lowest all you can say is Jesus, and He knows your heart and your struggles. Do not give up or give in when you feel darkness is being held over you. The enemy wants to isolate you and make you feel like you are alone. But let me remind you in those moments I encourage you to play worship music, pray, and go on a walk. Go get coffee with a close friend and talk about what is heavy on your heart and mind. You are not alone, and you have people in life that love you and want the best for you. We are supposed to be close to help uplift one another when one falls down. Let iron sharpen iron.

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17

Sending love and prayers to you and your close loved ones.

Be fearless my dear.

<3 Lacey