I Choose Today to Be Unburdened

Not too long ago, I hosted an event at my home. As I greeted my guests at the door, I asked to take their bags, coats, and anything else that might weigh them down. That small gesture helped them relax and feel unburdened.

When we’re unburdened, we can breathe deeper, be more present, and actually enjoy the people we’re with.

That’s exactly what Jesus wants for us too. When we come into His presence, He invites us to hand Him our baggage—the worries, the shame, the endless to-do list, the heaviness of disappointment or grief. He wants to unburden us, teach us, and give us rest for our souls.

Listen to His words in Matthew 11:29:

“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Even as you read that verse, do you feel something stir inside of you? For me, I can almost feel my shoulders drop. It’s like a deep exhale, a release of what I didn’t even realize I was holding. When I’m awake in the middle of the night, replaying the same problem over and over, I’ll pray and ask Jesus to take it. Before long, my mind quiets, my heart settles, and I finally rest.

This is His invitation: Give Me your burdens, and I’ll give you My peace. What a beautiful exchange. Yet so often, we cling to what is weighing us down, afraid to let go. But friend, you have nothing to lose—except the heaviness you were never meant to carry.

And here’s the best part: Jesus doesn’t just lift the load and leave us as we are. He says, “Let me teach you.” He longs to show us a new way to live—one shaped by His gentleness and humility. He walks with us, step by step, teaching us how to carry life differently. As we learn from Him, we discover that His rest isn’t a one-time gift, but a daily way of living.

So pause today. Notice what’s pressing on your heart. Write it down. Hold it out to Him in prayer. Let Jesus exchange your heaviness for His rest. And then walk lighter, freer, unburdened.

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Today’s Step

Open your door to Jesus by writing down one burden you’ve been carrying this week. Place the paper somewhere you’ll see it—on your nightstand, in your Bible, or taped to your mirror. Each time you notice it, pray, “Jesus, I give this to You. Teach me how to walk in Your rest instead.”