During the journey called life we have all had some burdens to bear. We have even made statements like, “The weight of the world is bearing down on me or I feel like I have an elephant on my back.” These statements represent the cold hard truth that life can have us so bogged down, depressed and feeling hopeless that sometimes we lose sight of why that elephant is on our back in the first place. Can I help you with this? The elephant is there because we CHOSE to carry it.

Matthew 11: 28-30, Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”…

How do we get these enormous animals (Trials) off our back? They are larger than we are; they can crush us with their feet or their trunk. If a herd of them crossed our path we would tremble in fear. Yet there is something sweet and innocent about these huge creatures. I thought about the elephant not as a burden on my back but instead a blessing. How you might ask? Instead of focusing on our burdens being like an elephant on our backs why not see the elephant as a rescuer that puts us on top of our seemingly bad situations. Instead of us carrying the elephant the elephant has agreed gladly to carry us. During the heat of our battles with the enemy the elephants large flowing ears flopping back and forth in rhythmic sequence produce air like a fan to cool us down when the heat is on. Instead of us carrying the elephant with our 2 legs the elephant carries us with balance on its 4 legs allowing its back to be our chair to rest us as we travel through this life’s journey.

Its long nose has a keen sense of discernment and can smell the scent of danger detecting the enemy is nearby. Therefore, now the elephant becomes our protector. What seemed gray and dismal now has taken on a different meaning. When the elephant was on our backs we could see nothing but the dirt on the ground because our view was distorted from the weight of this enormous animal. But when the elephant allowed us to be raised atop its back our situations & our vision became much clearer. Now we can see the path before us and have time to attack the enemy before they can attack us. This elephant on our back should teach us a wonderful lesson. Don’t look at WHAT you are carrying but be thankful for WHO is carrying YOU.

God allows burdens to come not to weigh us down but He will often use them to build us up, strengthen our character and increase our faith in order to change our perspective so we can focus more on Him. Are you focused on the weight you are carrying or WHO is carrying YOU?