No one escapes it. Weighed down by the burdens of life, we fall victim to sleepless nights and anxious days, and our relationships, work, and health all suffer as a result. Family issues, job pressure, financial woes, health concerns, deadlines, and stress of all kinds contribute to the growing metaphorical but very real weight on our shoulders. In response, we look for temporary fixes and unhealthy coping mechanisms that do nothing to relieve the actual burden. So, how can we find relief? How do we get out from under the weight of the world?

Throughout the Bible, we find people like us who were carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. They lived with devastating doubts, abject failures, crushing insecurities, and were thoroughly broken. Yet, as they came face to face with Jesus, they got out from under these weights by placing their burdens on him. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). This new series will look into various New Testament passages at the lives of Thomas, Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Paul to see the very practical ways that led them to a place of rest.