The world can be so heavy. Atlas discovered that. Zeus knew it. As punishment for taking part in a war against the Olympian gods for control of the heavens, Zeus condemned Atlas to hold up the heavens. That wasn’t exactly the kind of control Atlas was after, but it was a natural consequence of his rebellion. I can identify with the mythological Atlas. For many of us, I suspect, it can feel like the weight of the world rests on our shoulders. God isn’t punishing us, though. Our God is good, full of love and mercy. Instead, it’s a torment we heap on ourselves when we try to take control of heaven, when we struggle for control and fail to let God be God. Control is a very heavy idol.
The Old Testament is full of examples of idolatry; the Israelites literally worshipped false gods. But idolatry is still prevalent today, just in different forms. The essence of idolatry is putting ANYTHING before God, even if that “thing” is a desire to do what seems right. “Doing the right thing” can be idolatry when we do it with no regard for what plans the Lord may have and we proceed in our own strength anyway. When we take control and do things our own way, we are walking in idolatry and rebellion. Other areas of idolatry can manifest in our hearts, too. Whether it is unresolved hurts, unforgiveness, fear, unbelief, distrust, etc., when we choose to hold on to these things He’s asked us to release, they become altars. We sacrifice peace, joy, rest, and more when we value these idols more than God.
The weight of the world is too much for me. I am not qualified or able to carry it. None of us are. I was NOT created to carry heavy burdens (Matthew 11:30). I was made to lay them down. I wasn’t made to BE a god, I was made to love One. He is an amazing Father who loves me through and through. I was NOT made to live in fear, to be anxious about the future, or to play out “what if” scenarios in my mind. I was made to live in a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). I cannot rest in that peace when I stand in His place fighting for control. So today I am firing myself as “Atlas.” I am choosing to lay down the world and every burden in my heart. Today I will allow my trust in the goodness of my Jesus to grow, regardless of my circumstances. Today I choose not to do His job. Today I will not struggle for control. Instead, I choose to trust in the One who sees the beginning from the end. Will you join me?
I can’t carry the world, but You can. Thank you, Jesus.
Scripture to Meditate on for a Quiet Mind:
“For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” (Matthew 11:30)
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13)
“Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6, 7)
Comments