Recently my wife and I had an enjoyable visit at the family farm where her father was born. Just before we left it started to rain. We hurried to the car and being on a farm we tracked mud into the car. As we drove away down the long driveway I was concerned with how I was going to clean the mud out of the car. At the end of the driveway we looked up and were surprised with the sight of this beautiful rainbow! The irritation and concern with the task of cleaning the car was replaced with joy as we beheld the beautiful sight before us. It's easy to focus on the difficult or challenging aspects of life. When we do it’s easy to become burdened by them. Often we fall into the trap of looking at them and missing the wonderful, encouraging side of the Christian life. How can we catch that view? It begins with Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says,

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

There are 4 things in this Scripture to help us see the good side of life.

1. It begins with an invitation. Jesus knows your struggles. He has something very different to offer! Often we try everything else but turning to Jesus. We worry, strive, plan and do everything we can think of doing. Jesus invites you to give Him a chance.
2. Recognize the alternative. There are seasons of life when everything is hard and we forget there is any other way! We don’t have to live life wearied and emotionally burdened. That’s not what Jesus wants for us. He wants to give you rest from those burdens.
3. Change your approach. It’s time to look to Jesus for advice. We need to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. When was the last time you set aside some time to spend with Jesus? Think about it. Can you think of the last time you got away by yourself for at least an hour, read scripture, spent time in worship, poured out your heart to Jesus and then listened? And why do you think you haven’t heard from Him lately?
4. Enjoy the benefits. What Jesus offers is not a perfect life, but a different perspective. He wants you to wake up every day knowing you are loved, accepted and cared for and not alone with your burdens. He’ll share your burdens if you let Him. When you do, they will still be there, but they will feel lighter because you aren't carrying them alone.

There is mud on your shoes. Don’t be so preoccupied with the mud on your shoes that you miss God’s rainbow. What have you learned about sharing your burdens with God that will help others? Share a comment or question below.