Everyone has days when they feel like things aren’t going the way they planned. We all have times when we feel like we don’t measure up, or we can’t meet the demands of the day, or things just seem out of control. But when you feel those heavy burdens trying to come upon you, know that you aren’t powerless and you do have a choice. You can either choose to stay stuck in those negative feelings, or you can lift up your eyes to Jesus and make an exchange with Him.

See, when you are a believer in Jesus Christ and receive Him as your Lord and Savior, you enter into a covenant with Almighty God. That means everything He has is yours, and everything you have is His. Because of your covenant with Almighty God, you can exchange your load for His. You can cast your heavy burdens, cast your cares, cast your worries and fears upon Him, and in exchange, you can take His yoke upon you. What is His yoke? Jesus tells us in Matthew 11 that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In other words, He doesn’t want you to feel weighed down by the pressures of life. He simply wants you to trust Him. He wants you to be empowered through your union with Him. He wants to refresh you and give you His peace—that’s what He wants you to carry!

Remember, even though things may happen that are beyond your control, know that when you surrender your life to the Father, He will work things out for your good. Don’t let circumstances steal your joy and peace; instead, enter into His gates with thanksgiving in your heart! Sing a song of praise and cast your cares on Him. Know that He cares for you, He cares about you, and He will carry your burdens when you put your trust in Him!

“Come to Me, all you 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 11:28-30, NKJ)