In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus declares, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV). I think we sometimes don’t consider this verse and all it entails. That’s to say, we think it’s something we have to do on our own. After all, Jesus tells us we “must deny” ourselves and “take up [our] cross daily.” Surely this means it’s up to us, right?

In Psalm 68:19 we are told:

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68:19 (NIV)

This tells me that God bears my burdens every day. In Matthew, Jesus also tells us something about burdens.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV)

This tells me that if I give up my burden to Jesus and take up his yoke, it will not only be easy, but the burden is also light.

Therefore, when I consider daily bearing my cross, the hardest part isn’t trying to deny myself of what I might want to do. Instead, I think it looks more like Matthew 6:33.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

If we seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness first each day, then we’re also taking up Jesus’ yoke and light burden, and God; who daily bears our burdens, will help us to carry whatever load we need to carry for that day.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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