Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director
“The Lord upholds all of those who are falling and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:14
They are known as “mule women.” Often carrying more than twice their weight in portable goods, the women transport a number of products back n’ forth between Morocco and Spain every day. It’s a grueling, inhumane, and back-breaking way to eke out a living.
I recently saw a picture of the massive weight they carry on their backs and was blown away.
We may never have transported a huge load of merchandise between two countries, but most of us can, in some way, relate to the struggle of these women.
We wake each day, beleaguered by our own burdens, bearing our hefty loads once again. Some days, the weight feels heavier than others, but each day exacts a toll, nonetheless.
We wonder, “Why hasn’t God removed the load from our shoulders? Why doesn’t He just take it away all at once?”
Well, sometimes He does.
Remember when Jesus healed the woman who had been bent over for 18 years (Luke 13:10-13)? Miraculously standing straight, she rightfully responds with joyful praise.
But what about the times He doesn’t immediately lift the weight off our backs? What then?
Well, for one thing, we can rejoice that He sees us. Today’s text teaches that the Lord’s eye is on the worn-down, on those who are about to fall beneath life’s crushing load.
But it gets better.
Not only does He see us – He also “upholds” us. To put it another way, when the Lord chooses not to remove our burdens, He promises to help us bear the weight of them. When we feel like we can’t take another step, He “lifts” us up, enabling us to keep going. C.H. Spurgeon, draws our attention to the fact that both of these verbs are present participles. Spurgeon explains, “The form of the verb shows that He is always doing this. He is Jehovah-upholding.” In other words, this is not a one-time act, but something He does constantly, 24/7. His eternal, unchanging nature means He will uphold us forever, never growing tired or losing an ounce of compassion.
(Let that sink in for a moment.)
Unfortunately, many of us fail to experience the reality of His sustaining power in our daily lives. We simply neglect to tap into it on a regular basis. This is like having access to a limitless bank account and never making a withdrawal. It makes no sense.
Whatever burdens are on our backs, our role is to live in a continuous state of surrender, asking for His help throughout the day, saying Jesus, “I can’t carry this alone. I need You right now!” Granted, this doesn’t eliminate our struggle, but it does alleviate it.
Leaning on His everlasting arms, we’ll find our strength renewed. And one day, we’ll look back and share a powerful testimony of His great faithfulness.
Joining with the psalmist, we’ll declare- He might not have removed the burden, but He upheld me every step of the way.
DIG DEEPER
Read “Do You Know the God of Comfort?” by Bryant Wright
