Joel Osteen Devotional September 16 2020 – Lay Aside the Weights

Matthew 11:28, NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Sometimes it’s as though we’re carrying all these heavy bags around—a bag of guilt, another bag with all the mistakes we’ve made, then we add on a bag full of regrets. We go through life carrying around all of these bags, then we wonder why life is a struggle, why we’re tired, why we can’t accomplish a dream. It’s because you weren’t created to live with guilt, condemnation, and shame. The Scripture tells us to “lay aside the weights that can easily entangle us.” It’s time to lay aside those weights of guilt and shame and regret. It’s time to get rid of that baggage. This is a new day. The accuser has held you back long enough. Nothing you’ve done in the past is too much for the mercy of God. You are redeemed. You are restored. Shake off the guilt and the accusing voices and receive the gift of righteousness in Christ Jesus and rest for your soul.

“Father, thank You that I can come to You and unload all the weight of heaviness, regrets, feelings of unworthiness. I am laying aside all those heavy bags and receiving Your gift of righteousness. I will rest in Your love and mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”