Give Jesus all your burdens

Have you ever needed an intimate friend? Have you longed for a soul mate who will keep confidentiality? Jesus once encouraged us by saying, “‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28, NKJV) Jesus is not afraid of our burdens, worries, or fears. He wants us to dump all of them on Him because He knows it’s something we need to do. Psychologists call this therapeutic need catharsis, which is defined as “the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.” (Oxford Languages) 

I know what some of you are thinking: “What good can dumping my feelings produce?” Well, a lot. Catharsis is like taking out the garbage. It’s a mental health practice that every major character in the Bible practiced.

1. David asked, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalms 51:2, NIV)  
2. Elijah prayed, “‘I have had enough, LORD,’ … ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” (1 Kings 19:4, NIV) 
3. Jesus prayed, “‘Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.’” (Luke 22:42, NIV)
4. Paul noted, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8, NIV)

The Bible says to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) That’s catharsis. It dumping all the emotional toxicity and pain out of your system. We can, and should, give it all to Jesus. 

Have you tried praying to Jesus with this kind of transparency? He is the safest place to dump all your emotions and concerns. I’ve come to Jesus at least 10,000 times. He helps me cathartically release my cares, reinterpret them, and get wisdom. You can tell God everything and anything. He will never judge you or reject you. In fact, He’s urging you right now to tell Him everything. He’s telling you, “‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)  

When you come to Jesus in prayer, every burden is lifted, and you receive spiritual help. Prayer is not delivered with perfect words in the proper form. Prayer is a sloppy mess of hurt, love, praise, and pain. Jesus can handle it all.  

Because you are a miracle.