These are only a few of the verses in the Bible which tell us that God wants us to live peaceful lives, free from worries that burden us. The Scriptures reveal that the more we pray and depend on God for our needs, the less we will fret and worry. If God doesn't want us to carry our own burdens, do you think He expects us to carry the burdens of others? Of course not. Yet so many precious, well-meaning Christians willingly shoulder the burdens of others, thinking they are pleasing and glorifying God by doing so. If you are one of these people, please listen carefully. Only God's shoulders are big enough to carry the weight of our cares while we live on this earth. He never intended you to carry them for yourself or for anyone else.

If there are people in your life who have become dependent upon you for help, encouragement, guidance, etc., please believe me when I tell you that they are looking for a savior. And no matter how you try, or how much someone else desires it, you cannot fill that role. That privilege is reserved for God alone. When we allow others to become dependent upon us, we hinder God, and we actually do more harm than good. We need to distance ourselves enough from these people to allow them to see their need for God. Even if these people are not believers, it doesn't change the fact that it's God will for them to learn to depend on Him alone. Relationships like these can be destructive, and they can literally drain the life out of us, if we let them. Sometimes, the only thing God calls us to do for people in need is pray for them. That is why it's so important to seek Him in every situation. Yes, we need to be caring people who reach out to others in need. But when we cross that line from helper to savior, we need to get out of God's way and let Him do His job.

Prayer: Lord, it has never been my intention to hinder others from coming to You. I ask that You show me what to do when people are becoming too dependent upon me, and I pray that You will show them that it's not me they need, but You. Reveal to me what my part is concerning them. Give me a heart like Yours, but give me discernment and wisdom, too, so that I'll be helpful in ways that please You. Use me to lead others to You so that, like me, they will discover that only You can fill their every need.