The Divine Exchange

Have you ever found yourself bogged down with worry, fear, anger, busyness, frustration, and/or impatience? I am assuming we all have felt one or more of these emotions at least once (dare I say two or three times) each week. Now, have you ever stopped to contemplate or think about why you feel this extra weightiness? The source of these feelings is either insecurity or discontent with your own life OR heartache or empathy for a close family member or friend. On rare occasions, some may experience a compounded effect resulting from the combination of both your own worries and those of another. However, my point in discussing this topic is not so much to discuss the source of these heavy and exhausting emotional conditions, but rather to enlighten my readers about what I will refer to as the “Divine Exchange.”

What I have just described above is Phase 1: Identification & Analysis – What is wrong and Why do I feel this way?

Phase 2 is what I call: Internalization & Inaction – This is when you make comments like, “I am supposed to feel this way,” or “It is what it is,” or “It will always be this way.” Do not give in to these kinds of thoughts because they are merely self-defeating, discouraging, cyclical lies. The only way to break free of this phase is to courageously make the Divine Exchange with The King of kings. Let me briefly describe what I mean by sharing a scripture:

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”‘

Check it out in The Message:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Analysis and Application:
If we take our worries, fears, doubts, concerns – call them whatever you want – and give them to Christ, we receive in exchange an easy and light yoke. What you are carrying around in your heart and mind, even if you have good intentions in carrying it, is not yours to carry. Give it over to the Lord and receive the freedom you desire and deserve. May His will be done in your life this week and every week!