by Cindy Walker Burton

Offer someone a shoulder to cry on. Shrug your shoulders if you’re not sure. Look over your shoulder in case you missed something. Shoulder your responsibilities. Put your shoulders back and stand tall. Put your head on your sweetheart’s shoulder and whisper sweet sentiments. But for heaven’s sake stop carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders!

Are you the undisputed record holder for carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Now hear this declaration: you are ordered to relinquish your weighty shoulder title immediately! Right away, without delay. Your shoulders need not be weary, deary. They have better things to do, like allow for a wide range of arm movements like lifting, reaching, hugging, shrugging, rowing, and throwing. Carrying the weight of the world on your precious shoulders is overrated and hereby negated.

Sometimes you don’t realize the weight of something you’ve been carrying until you feel the weight of its release. God loves you too much to allow you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Rest assured, God’s got your back. And your shoulders. I rest my case. Now rest those shoulders!