Lay it Down

“All of your problems, all of your pain. Lay it down. Lay it down. Cast your cares upon Him, He’ll hear your call. Lay it down. All of your heartache, all guilt and shame. Lay it down. Lay it down.”

          I love this song because it is a reminder to lay everything at Jesus’ feet. Even the things that are ugly, the things that I don’t want to talk about, the things that aren’t perfect, and the areas of my life that I struggle with. It’s so easy to feel ashamed or embarrassed of the mistakes that we make in life. I use to have a tendency to think that “my mess” was too heavy for Jesus; that he wouldn’t be able to handle it or would be too frustrated and upset to have to deal with little ole Angel’s mess once again. Nothing is too heavy for Him, absolutely NOTHING. Not only can He handle it but He already knows…so what I thought was hidden from everyone, and even from Him, was already revealed. He wants all the areas of our lives, not just the ones that we think He can handle. Psalm 55:22 says “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall” (NIV). In other words He got this and He doesn’t need our help because He’s the One who is going to help us, support us, and bear the weight for us!

         When we fall it is so easy to be condemned by people but even more so by ourselves when we “mess up.” Yes we should feel convicted when we turn from God but all He wants is for us to repent and turn back to Him. 1 John 1:9 reminds us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” How quick are people to bring up the past or constantly remind each other of what they’ve done wrong. How great is it that God does not hold grudges or keep record of our past once we give our lives to Christ and live for Him. There is no greater feeling than being able to pour out to Christ and be vulnerable before Him and know that there is a safe place with no judgment where I can just be real and open. Too often people think that they have to come before Christ perfect or “get themselves together first” but the truth is come to Christ as you are so that He can make you perfect in Him. We are not able to do it by ourselves. Lay it all down before Him no matter what it is. He loves us and only wants the best for us. Deal with what’s dealing with you by seeking Christ to empty you and then fill you with His love. Lay it down.