As we near Pentecost (May 24th), how open are you to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? This second devotion reminds us of the wonderful daily support we have in Him:

IN WORD – Life can be a huge burden. We often refer to it as a “rat race”—an ever-busy condition that never really accomplishes anything of significance. We may feel caught in a trap of meaningless activity that helps us survive for the moment but does not lift us to any higher meaning. For that, mankind looks to religion.
Religion, too, can be a huge burden. It places demands on us that are clearly higher than our ability to accomplish. It places ideals before us that our earthbound souls long to embrace but cannot ever really reach. It keeps us striving, in the strength of our flesh, to attain to the depths and the promises of the spiritual realm. This is why Jesus came promising the provision of the Father for all of our needs and the gift of the Spirit to give us direction and the ability to accomplish God’s will.
This is why the One who demands that we take up our cross and follow Him and who upholds every tiny stroke of the law can come to us and say: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (v. 30). Our Source of existence and the Light of the World never told us to get wrapped up in our anxieties, to eke out an existence, or to strive in the strength of the flesh. He only told us to come to Him with everything, and He would fill us with Himself. What He has demanded of us, He Himself will fulfill.
IN DEED – We get caught up in the folly of self-effort. We think our provision is up to us, so we struggle. We think our righteousness is up to us, so we strain. We think our spirituality is a work of human willpower, so we press on even harder. All the while, Jesus says to us: “Come to Me.” He will give us rest. “He rides at ease whom the grace of God carries.” —Thomas à Kempis (in “At His Feet” by Chris Tiegreen)

It is counterintuitive, but when we rely on our own efforts, we will strain and become burdened by the desires and demands of the world. In contrast, when we humbly submit ourselves to the Lord, His Spirit enables and empowers us to rise above the mundane labors of the world.
Are you in need of being reminded of God’s burden-bearing? Take time to meditate on Psalms 18 – 23 this week, a psalm a day. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to let go of the things of the world and draw you closer to the Lord to take on His yoke. You will find each day brighter and airier as you accomplish not your will or the world’s will, but your heavenly Father’s. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam