As we step into a new year, it’s important to be aware of what we carry. Much of the baggage we carry on our journey is unnecessary and won’t benefit or add value to our destination. Many of us have been burdened by life’s pressures and stresses. Some of us even take on the baggage of others. What does that look like? It means we allow others to offload their issues onto us, not seeking solutions but simply a place to dump their problems. I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t be a listening ear, a safe place, or a confidante for those with social needs or needs in general. However, boundaries are necessary in this season. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV).
Ever wondered why airlines and elevators have weight limits? It’s all about safety. Excess weight can cause undue stress on elevators, leading to breakdowns, malfunctions, or structural damage. If an elevator exceeds its weight limit, there’s a higher risk of it getting stuck. Let’s draw a parallel to humanity. When we take on more than we’re designed to carry, we too can experience breakdowns, malfunctions, and structural damage—whether physical, emotional, mental, financial, or spiritual. What are you willing to sacrifice for the excess weight you carry? Is it worth your peace, joy, journey, destiny, and more?
Similarly, airlines have baggage weight limits primarily for safety reasons. Did you know that fuel efficiency is another reason to keep the weight low? Carrying additional weight comes at a cost. The excess weight might not be noticeable during takeoff, but it will certainly impact us during the landing. We all want to reach our destination safely and whole—in one piece (or in PEACE). The amount of fuel needed for a journey depends on the amount of weight the aircraft is carrying. This is why it’s crucial to consider weight limits. Ignoring these limits often happens due to a lack of knowledge about them.
Again – Excess weight can greatly impact the landing of a plane. The takeoff may be smooth, but the landing could be detrimental. It will not only impact you, but those who are connected to you. Do not let one person’s weight cause others to be hindered or impacted.
The Lord doesn’t want us to carry excess weight. He wants us to stay within our limits because He knows what’s ahead for us. He loves us so much that He left clear instructions in His Word for handling burdens. In 1 Peter 5:7, He says, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (NKJV). The word “care” means to be distracted by concerns or to worry. The Lord doesn’t want us to live in a state of worry. The benefit and blessing of being in a relationship with God is that He is concerned about us. Psalm 138:8 reminds us, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” (NKJV).
If you find yourself feeling tired, stressed, frustrated, or stuck, it might be time to examine the weight you’re carrying. We need to look no further than our own hearts. There’s no one else to blame for our frustration but ourselves. If we feel stuck in life and can’t seem to move forward, we can attribute some or all the tiredness, stress, frustration, and feeling of being stuck to the excess weight or baggage we’re carrying.
Let’s take a moment to talk about being stuck. What does “being stuck” look like? Stuck is defined as being unable to move, unable to change, or unable to get away from a situation. I remember when our Dad was ill and in the hospital. All six of us siblings went to visit him. We all tried to get on the elevator, even though we knew there was a weight limit. When we pressed the button for our floor, the elevator wouldn’t move until we released some weight. This is just like life. We remain stuck until we stop and let go of certain things. Some things should have been released a long time ago. The good news is, it’s not too late. God wants us to be free, and He is the one who can help us all. When we feel stuck, we need to first seek God in prayer. God does not want us to remain in the same pattern. Being stuck prevents our fruit from coming forth and keeps us from experiencing God in His fullness. The enemy wants us to be stuck because it keeps us from walking in the purpose for which we were created. By the Blood of Jesus Christ, we can live free.
I hope this message inspires you to reflect on your life and where you are on this journey. God has many desires for us, and He wants His desires to be ours. He wants us to experience His love, peace, joy, and strength. He wants us to smile and walk with Him daily, to meet Him in the mornings and experience His rest at night. There is so much more for us on this journey. Let’s not live our lives over the WEIGHT LIMIT. Life can get heavy, but we do not have to carry excess. Remember, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV).
Love and Blessings,
Donna K. McLin