PRINCIPLE: “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.”
Two of our grandchildren, Micah – 8 – and Elise – almost 6 – recently took up the adventure of rock-wall climbing. They did extremely well – far better than Grandpa would have done! Micah made it to the top 3 times and Elise got beyond her dad’s reach. I was proud of them.
But it wasn’t just their success that got me excited. It’s what I observed – and hopefully they learned – during the climb that was most important. As long as they tried to climb only using their own strength, they tired quickly; but once they learned how to trust the camp counselor holding the rope, and put all their weight in the harness, the climb became easier. “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.” Once they trusted and transferred, and knew they were safe from falling, they discovered the strength to climb higher. “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.”
It’s certainly not a new principle; even the airlines (especially on small planes) are always balancing the luggage and the seat location of passengers to keep the weight evenly distributed – all so they can fly higher, fast, and safer. Certainly truckers and moving companies loading their large vans know all about weight distribution. No, it’s not new, but it’s worth remembering. “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.”
The Psalmist knew all about it also. (91) “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you… He will cover you … and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…You will not fear… For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands… “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.”
The word love (‘Because he loves me…) in the Hebrew connotes ‘cleaving’. It’s like putting a saddle on a horse – the saddle cleaves to the horse, is wrapped tightly around the horse. It’s an invitation to wrap ourselves around Jesus. It all hinges on trusting God.The Psalmist is saying that security in God is not an insurance policy against misfortune or trials. Psalm 91 is, at core, a call to trust. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”To trust God is to put all your weight on Him. It’s putting all your weight in the harness and letting Jesus bear your weight. “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.” The Psalmist is inviting us not to worry. There are dark sides to life – but do not worry; they will not defeat you. No final evil will befall you. “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.”
It’s worth remembering. After all, “Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed.” (1 Pt. 2:24 GNT) “When the load’s too heavy, transfer the weight.” Then, in your new found safety climb higher. Perhaps you will not make it to the top – but you will be safe at rest.
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. But think about if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could definitely be one of the best in its field. Excellent blog!
Thank you for the kind words. The blog you read was one of my older ones. My new ones, from Fall of 2016 on do have pictures. I do hope that helps.
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You may use the contact link on my website.