As discussed in a past post, a year or two ago I sold my only vehicle so I could finish building this website entirely out of my own pocket when the original programmer bailed unexpectedly and without notice, so out with the car and in with walking and biking literally everywhere I go.

It was one of the best decisions and self-sacrifices of my life.  Z-E-R-O regrets.  (Though don’t ask my legs and feet, because at times they would probably give a different answer.)

All kidding aside, the extra exercise is good for my temporary temple of the Holy Spirit, my body, my soul’s house as it were, so I almost always love and embrace the anticipation of especially the extended  exercising, those three-to-five-days-a-week long walks or bike rides, often to the grocery store or post office or other errand destinations (Ephesians 5:16!).

I said “almost  always” because there are two exceptions:  one which I just discussed a few posts ago, and the second (as promised) is when I have to return  an item purchased a day or week before.

Thankfully that’s a very rare, very infrequent need.  But when such occurs I almost (almost) dread even the notion, even the concept, even the idea of having to carry a (usually) heavy or bulky item at the onset of that journey, versus just one-way, just on the way back  from the store.  (Just like that funny traffic sign I first saw when I was a kid:  instead of the standard “No Parking” it read “Don’t even THINK about parking here.”)

Yes, my beloved brothers and sisters, just that one factor singlehandedly flips the equation of the pending trek from elation to near-dread.  Leaving my home with my hands free of any items so I can just walk and jog unabated?  A-W-E-S-O-M-E!  I LOVE that thought and anticipation and activity.  Leaving my home with my hands full of, with having to be burdened by carrying some items?  Not so much.

And that’s exactly how it is in the Christian life!  The “walk” is so much more enjoyable without  a load, sans  burdens.  Which is why it’s so very crucial to divest ourselves of any and all burdens each and every day.  And hour… and minute  for that matter.  To reaffirm anew that we live not for ourselves but for the Lord, not for our own interests but for His.  And secondly, under  that overarching umbrella, the interests of others.  To realize – actively realize, to be actively aware – that we are no longer our own.  And that includes not just one’s body but also one’s burdens.  Not just one’s potential anxieties but also the prospective and perspective root cause of any anxiety.  What a great way to go through life!  No worries.  No anxiety.  No negativity needed.

And that, my friends, is (one aspect and application of) the power of the Bible ingested.  Via Bible memory  and recitation/meditation on a regular, systematic basis!

• “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” (Matthew 11:28,30)
• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)  (… by…)
• “casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)  (… because…)
• “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)  (… and anyway/besides…)
• “… which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span?” (Matthew 6:27)

Just like those long walks I take to do my errands after having sold my car a year or two ago, so also in the Christian walk:  much more merry and fun and yes easy (Jesus’s word) and anticipation-abounding and exceedingly enjoyable when carrying no burdens.

God has made clear that He’s not just willing but eager to take them, so it’s a no-brainer for us to indeed “cast” (literally, throw) onto Him not only our every anxiety but even the roots  of potential  anxieties which sprout in our lives from time to time.  (Job 5:7 proclaims the reality… 1 Peter 5:7 provides the remedy!)
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