“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
No matter how strong your back, there are some things you were not meant to carry.
Awhile back Shannan and I interrupted a beautiful drive along Alabama Highway 157 to wander through Ray White’s Antique Cars. Mr. White’s lot gives new meaning to the adage, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Ray specializes in “fixer-uppers.” Like the old Chevrolet in the picture, his classics are awaiting the kind of treatment that brought Dorothy’s Tin Man back to life.
While most of Mr. White’s treasures are lined up as if they could be driven off the lot, this old Impala was resting under a heavy burden. It was a burden it was not designed to carry.
As I wandered around that car, I began to think about all the things God does not intend for us to carry:
Worry: Don’t let worry weigh you down. God says, "cast all your anxieties on him." 1 Peter 5:7
Blame: God forgave you. That’s your motivation to release others. Colossians 3:13
Anger: Take anger, wrath, and malice and throw them out the window. Colossians 3:8
Revenge: “Vengeance is mine,” God says. So let it go! Romans 12:19
Failure: God has removed your sin (failure) as far as the east is from the west. Why should you hang onto it? Psalm 103:12
Sin: “Throw off” the sin that hinders you. Hebrews 12:1
Regret: “Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.” Philippians 3:13
I am pretty certain that old Chevy ran out of gas before it became a storage shelf. I am equally certain that we will meet its fate if we attempt to carry loads God never intended for us to bear. So before you hit the highway today, make sure you are traveling light.
The good news of the gospel is that the God who saves you also cares for you -- every step of every mile of every day. Are you toting baggage you were not meant to carry? Let it go and enjoy the open road.