The Backpack

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

“What’s in here—bricks?” joked Uncle Brian, lifting Hayden’s backpack from the trunk of the car.

Hayden shrugged. His mom had told him he was packing too much stuff for the camping and hiking trip with his uncle, but Hayden hadn’t listened. He lifted the pack and settled its weight onto his slender shoulders, and they started out.

They hadn’t gone far before Hayden began to tire under the weight of the heavy pack. Soon his shoulders ached so much that he had to stop and rest.

“Here,” said Uncle Brian. “Give me your pack.”

Hayden hesitated. He really wanted to carry his own backpack, but it was just too heavy. He reluctantly handed it to his uncle.

Relieved of the extra weight, Hayden felt better and began to notice things along the way—the sapphire blue sky, the yellow flowers on a nearby shrub, the chirping of birds overhead. “Thanks, Uncle Brian,” he said when they reached their campsite. “I shouldn’t have packed so much stuff.”

“We all try to carry too much sometimes,” said Uncle Brian. “Not just camping equipment, but emotional stuff too. Things like worry and fear rob us of joy. Do you know that God is willing to carry those things for us, just like I carried your backpack for you?”

Hayden had many worries on his mind these days. His dad, a Marine, was serving overseas, and Hayden really missed him. He was also very concerned about his father’s safety.

“You took off your backpack and gave it to me,” continued Uncle Brian, “and you can give your cares to Jesus. Do you know that?”

Hayden nodded. “We learned a verse about that at church—First Peter 5:7. ‘Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.’”

Uncle Brian nodded. “When you feel emotionally heavy, do what that verse says. Talk to Jesus. Tell Him all your concerns. He died and rose again to save you and is always with you. You don’t have to struggle under a burden of worry or fear. Jesus will carry it for you.” Linda Hentschel

How About You?

Are you feeling scared? Worried about someone who’s sick? Concerned about school or family problems? Have your cares become a heavy burden that keeps you from feeling joyful? You can give them all to Jesus. Pray about your concerns and ask Him to carry the burden for you. He loves you and wants to take away your worry and fear and give you His peace.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Give your burdens to God