Burden Bearers

Read: Galatians 6:2; Psalm 34:17; Psalm 46:1

This week, I have been thinking about the fact that God binds up the broken hearted,   Psalm 34:17. A huge undertaking since broken and even wounded hearts come in all shapes and sizes. He accomplishes this restoring through those who come alongside the hurting ones. To help carry their burdens that are a part of life. How He accomplishes this isn't a one and done one size fits all process. He is at work through small Providences and amazing acts of kindness. He sends burden bearers in all shapes and sizes. Some of these helpers are there for a lifetime, and others help unburden us for only a very short time. Each is precious because they come because of the amazing oversight of the One Who loves us. To the LORD be the honor and glory for how He weaves lives together to show His providential care.

With this in mind, may I tell two quick stories about those who God brought into both my life and my husband's? Times where His gracious hand lifted us up. I wish I knew their names so that I could thank them more personally, but I will use this opportunity to thank the One Who through His sovereignty places burden bearers in the exact locations and at just the right times where they are needed.

The first story took place about 18 years ago. My husband was in the hospital undergoing preparations for a medical procedure. He told the nurse on duty that he would very likely get sick during the process. That is what had happened on other occasions. She said that it wouldn't happen this time. Suffice it to say that he was correct and she was not. It is enough to say that someone from housekeeping was summoned to take care of the mess. My husband felt bad and apologized to the lady who came armed with bucket and cleaner. Her response? He shouldn't be concerned. This was why she was there. If that kind response weren't enough, she also made things sweeter by singing hymns while she worked. She not only lifted the load from my husband's shoulders; she lifted mine by bringing a bit of comfort to the one I loved. So, I say thank You Lord for sending this kind burden bearer. If she does not belong to You, would You make Yourself known to her. Please let her know, if she doesn't already, that Jesus took the entire burden of her sin upon Himself so that she could be robed in His righteousness, Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 61:10.

The second story took place twelve years ago. It also occurred in a hospital, but this time, I was the patient. I had just had my broken wrist surgically repaired. It was Easter Sunday, and I was sitting in a chair having just pushed away the liquid breakfast that was given to me. Then she came in. Once again, I don't know her name. She called herself a bath aide and asked if I'd like to have her help in that area. Oh, I'm telling you that the warm water on that cloth was so nice, but that was only the beginning. She next asked if I'd like my hair washed. Oh yes! She used the dry shampoo, but there was still another layer of burden bearing to be uncovered. She next asked if I would like her to braid my hair. Oh my, I felt almost human again. The tangled hair was neat and not going every which way! The whole episode took place in a very short time, and this lady whose name I can't recall exited without knowing how restoring her work had been in my life. Again, I say thank You to You Jesus for how You provide good and perfect gifts, James 1:17. If this woman doesn't know it, please let her know that she can be cleansed from all unrighteousness and that her sins can be washed whiter than snow, Isaiah 1:18.

What I like about both of these stories is that both women who lifted burdens were simply doing what the day brought to them. God used them even if they didn't yet know Him. Their jobs were not the kind of work that is usually lauded. That is a sad thing to me since their kindnesses can make a world of difference in the lives they touch.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, we are reminded to be steadfast. Abounding in the Lord's work. Knowing that our work in the Lord is not in vain. Imagine it. He sees the times when we carry, even for just a few minutes someone else's load. Showing His love to those whose hearts have been wounded or completely broken.

Praise to the One Who can carry each person's load. No wonder we are to cast our cares upon Him, Psalm 55:22;1 Peter 5:7. The One Who is the very present Helper in times of trouble. No matter the shape or size of the trouble, Psalm 46:1.