In the Bible, we learn that we aren’t meant to carry life’s burdens by ourselves. God invites us to trust Him and rely on His strength, through Jesus Christ.
Depending only on ourselves may feel powerful for a while — certainly when we are young — but it has limits.
We all know what it’s like to try our best and still feel like we’re not enough. That’s where God’s strength comes in.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is proverbial wisdom for life: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
In other words, when we trust God, He guides us in ways we couldn’t manage on our own. The key word in this would be dependence.
Jesus Himself spoke about this. In Matthew 11:28-30, He calls out, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
At the time, many people were weighed down by religious laws that seemed impossible to keep to.
Jesus came not to add to their burdens but to offer true rest by showing God’s love and forgiveness.
The heart of the Gospel is that Jesus has already carried our biggest burdens.
Through His life, death and resurrection, He has made a way for us to have a relationship with God.
When we trust Jesus, we don’t have to keep trying to live life and carry all the burdens and worries on our own.
Jesus has done for us what we couldn’t do ourselves — He gives us forgiveness, purpose and peace with God.
When we believe in Jesus, we don’t just start a private journey of faith. We join a new community — the church, which is a “building” made up of all who believe in Christ.
The apostle Paul describes it in Ephesians 2:19-22: “You are… of God’s household… Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” As believers, we are essential parts of this “building” God is creating.
Being part of a church community isn’t optional for those who are able to attend; it’s a vital part of our new life in Christ.
Together, we learn to trust God more deeply, encourage one another and serve the world.
Church is where we grow in faith, learn more about Jesus and find real connection.
In a world that often values independence, church reminds us we’re designed to belong, to be loved and to serve each other.
It’s where we find strength from God, supported by fellow believers, all of us learning to rely on God instead of ourselves.
So if you’re feeling the weight of life’s burdens, consider Jesus’ invitation.
When we place our trust in Him and join His people, we’re freed from the pressures of self-reliance and welcomed into a community where God’s love and strength are at the centre.
In Jesus, you’ll find a Saviour you can fully depend on and a family of believers to journey with you.
Pastor David McAllan
Echuca Community Church
