Isaiah 57:18-19, "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, both near and far!"

Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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."

Think

Fear. Addiction. Abuse. Dysfunction. Let's face it. We live in a broken world. Because of that brokenness, we all carry extra baggage - those things from our past that we're still lugging around in the present, like a backpack full of bricks. And no matter how much we try to ignore it or hide it from others, it's still there, weighing us down and causing us to miss out on so many great things that God has in store.

God doesn't want us to carry additional weight. He wants us to be free from our past so that our hands are free in the present to do what He wants us to do as He works from the inside out to transform our lives. So, how do you become baggage-free? First, acknowledge what you're carrying around unnecessarily. Then, admit to God that you need His help, that you can't do it on your own. You may even want to talk to a trusted friend or Christian counselor to help you learn to let go.

Jesus didn't die and rise again for you to be mired down by fear and dysfunction. He overcame the grave to secure your victory. He came to break you free from whatever's holding you back. So, sit down and take a load off! Allow His truth to set you free!

Act

Personalize today's verses! Reread Isaiah 57:18-19 and replace every "them," "those," and "all" with your own name. Then, insert your name throughout Matthew 11:28-30 and thank God for these promises that He meant for you! Remember that God sees you, loves you, and wants you to be free.

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for securing my freedom through Christ. Please help me identify and unload all of my unnecessary baggage and leave it at the foot of the cross. I know You have wonderful things in store for me! In Jesus' name, Amen.