"Release"

I’ve traveled far on lonesome trails,

Fallen down with many fails,

And wondered what within me ails,

I could not find the cure.

And though I’d been to church a lot,

Guilt and shame was what I got,

They spoke of love but I forgot,

None to blame, for sure.

But my own head was plenty hard,

Heart was broken, stomped and scarred,

No one got close, held up my guard,

Pretended I was fine.

But when depression took ahold,

Those old demons came on bold,

I refused to be consoled,

The threat was not benign.

I thought of one I read about,

Killed his pony strong and stout,

Then turned and blew his own brains out,

Replayed it in my head.

Drinking with a gun in hand,

Down and out too weak to stand,

Devils pushing death’s demand,

The darkest low, no doubt.

But then I heard my Savior speak,

To one whose faith was very weak,

I offer you the peace you seek,

And this is what you know,

You’d never shoot your horse, you see,

Much less yourself so let this be,

I’ll give you rest, just come to Me,

My love to you I’ll show.

So I did just what He said,

And I didn’t end up dead,

But alive and well, the demons fled,

And I received His peace.

Those hard regrets that dogged me so,

Depressing thoughts that brought me low,

All my cares on Him I throw,

His blood bought my release.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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.” (Matthew 11:28-29, NLT)

The offer of Jesus is ongoing. He said it first while He was here on this earth. He still makes the offer today, and it can be experienced with the Holy Spirit’s power. If we turn to Jesus it’s because the Spirit has led us. When we yield control to the Lord, the Spirit gives us the relief Jesus promised. We exchange our heavy burdens for the burden of Jesus which He says is light. Compared to what? Compared to the weight we’ve been carrying! He lifts from us our depression and addictions, our hurts and bitterness, our immorality and idolatry. He sets the captive free, and those He liberates are free indeed!

Lord, lift our burdens, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Jack Sorenson, used by permission. Thanks, Jack, and God bless you.