When the Burdens Are Too Much to Bear

3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God,

6 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

     - Ezra 9:3-6

Dear Friends,

It is not a good feeling to return from a journey and be met almost at the door with some bad news.  This is however what happens to Ezra in the scripture lesson.  Once again the children of Israel were acting out in disobedience to God's commands. They were intermingling with those who worshipped pagan gods. The sins of the people were great.  Ezra was appalled as he considered their actions time after time even as the Lord continued to deliver them.

There are times when we can get beside ourselves in disbelief over the outrageous actions of others.  The scriptures tell us that Ezra rent his clothes, pulled his hair out and gathered with others who shared his dismay.

Ezra did not wallow in despair.  He cried out to God, fell on his knees and lifted his hands.

This is still to be our response to the unrighteousness that may surround us. We must cry out to God in fervent prayer. He will provide a way of escape. 

When the burdens are too much to bear, hear the Holy Spirit whisper, "I will bear your burdens, give them to me."

in Christ,

Sis. Stephanie