JOYCE DAVIDSON No burden is too heavy for God to carry for you

The Rev. Julius Davis, pastor of Friendship Baptist in Girard, has the Bible study groups reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.
"What Drives Your Life" is the topic of chapter three. When I read, "Some resentment driven people clam up‚ and internalize their anger," it triggered memories of the resentment and anger that filled my life with pain and agony many years ago. Without realizing what was happening, the resentment and anger established a firm grip on me. Slowly, it choked the joy out of my life.
Seeds of resentment and anger grew and flourished in the deep recesses of my heart. As the hidden anger grew, physical pain took hold. Once I went to the emergency room because I thought I was having a heart attack. The doctors ordered X-rays and wrote prescriptions in an attempt to cure the problem. Peter wrote the prescription I needed: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Something missed
Somehow, I missed the fact that God personally cared about me. All I could think about were the problems troubling my life. (Romans 8:5)
Those who are dominated by sinful nature think about sinful things. Suddenly, like a balloon that is blown up as far as it can go, I blew up. "Clamming up" had taken me further than I wanted to go. Murder was in my heart. Fortunately, God prevented me from doing something that I would have regretted the rest of my life.
The answer to my problem was simple -- look up. Look up to the heavenly father, who wanted me to have a close personal relationship with him. Look up to the problem solver. Look up and allow the Holy Spirit to control my mind. Romans (8:6) But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
Finding rest
Why was I carrying all my burdens? Jesus said: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:29-30)
The anger and resentment were a heavy yoke around my neck. I needed rest for my soul. Daily I had to choose to focus on God and not the problem. My outlook on life changed. Having faith in God and trusting him with my life made my burden light. God created me. God loves me. God cares for me so much that he sent his son to die for me, and for all of us. Not only that, he will work my problems out for my good.
Over the years the problems come and go for all of us. But there is no problem that is too hard for God.
XJoyce Davidson is a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Girard.