I am a graduate of Hampton University, Interdenominational Theological Center and Capella University. In the process of completing these degree programs, I acquired private and government funded student loans. These loans are still a burden on my shoulders today.

I know that I am not alone carrying this type of burden. Student loans account for over $1 trillion of debt in America. This is one of my burdens. What is your burden?

Galatians 6:5 says that everyone has a burden to bear. The Greek definition of burden states that it is something personal and cannot be shifted to someone else. Carrying the weight of a burden can sometimes seem unbearable.

The weight of a burden can tempt you to throw in the towel, but we can’t allow a burden to defeat us.

In the Bible Moses had a burden to free the people from Pharaoh, Nehemiah had the burden of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and Jesus had the burden of the cross and the world’s sin on his shoulders. You are not alone in carrying burdens. Be encouraged to know that there are ways to make it easier to bear.

One way to ease the burden is to use what you have. In Exodus 4, God asked Moses what was in his hand. Moses replied, “A staff.”

God challenged Moses to use his staff as a sign that the power of God was there. When we use gifts and talents God has given us, it will ease our burden. Use what God has placed in your hand. We might struggle with a financial burden because we are not utilizing our gift or talent.

We have to maximize God-given gifts and it will ease our burden.

Another way to ease the burden is to tap into the power of God and Jesus. Psalm 55:22 states, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 and 30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The good news for us is that we can shift our burden onto God’s shoulders. We can leave our burdens with the Lord.

The Lord will make a way. God may not come to your rescue when you want, but if you give God your burden, God will take care of you.

So, don’t lose any sleep. Give it to Jesus, and he will give you rest. Be encouraged. God Bless!

REV. MATTHEW SHANNON is pastor of Beulah AME Church in Farmville. His email address is pastormatthew.shannon@gmail.com.