The Weight of Being a Burden
For years, I carried a heavy weight—I felt like a burden. It started in my family, where my presence seemed to trigger sighs of exasperation or elicit comments that reinforced my sense of unworthiness. I don’t want to take on the burden of feeling like a burden. I know that this feeling impacted me deeply; however, I’m not fully aware of the extent of its effects. This belief seeped into other relationships, creating a lens through which I viewed every interaction. I was constantly apologizing for my existence, shrinking back for fear of imposing on others. Embracing God’s love teaches me that I am cherished and valued.
Encountering God’s Unconditional Love
Ultimately, the turning point came when I started to encounter and embrace God’s love. At first, it wasn’t a sudden realization. Instead, it was a gradual process—a slow and steady awakening to a truth that challenged everything I thought I knew about myself. As a result, this journey led me to a deeper understanding and appreciation of my own worth. I began to understand that God, the creator of the universe, the one who spoke the stars into existence and breathed life into my lungs, actually desired a relationship with me. My neediness, my flaws, and insecurities don’t put him off. He welcomed me with open arms, inviting me into a love that was unconditional and unending.
Transformative Power of Scripture
This realization felt radical, almost unbelievable. How could someone like me who always feels is a burden, could actually be beloved? The answer, I discovered, lay in God’s nature. Embracing God’s love revealed the truth in: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). In this verse, we see the depth of God’s love—a love so profound that He sacrificed His own Son for us. This love isn’t based on our performance or worthiness, but on His grace and mercy.
As I immersed myself in scripture, I began to understand that God’s love wasn’t just a vague concept but an active force that could transform my life. I learned about His attributes—His power, His humility, His faithfulness. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I realized that God’s strength is perfect in my weakness. The very things I perceived as burdens were opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and grace.
Redefining Self-Perception Through God’s Eyes
Understanding God’s love began to shift my self-perception. When I focus more on embracing God’s love for me, I believe less in the lie that I was a burden. I started to see myself through His eyes—as a beloved child, worthy of His love and affection. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). The shame I had carried for so long began to melt away, replaced by a sense of belonging and worthiness.
An Ongoing Journey of Grace
The journey from burden to beloved isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process. There are days when the old tapes of “not enough” or “too much” play in my mind. But now, armed with the truth of embracing God’s love, I have the power to challenge those lies. I can remind myself of His promises, His faithfulness, and His unwavering commitment to me.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39).
A Message of Hope and Freedom
This is the message I want to share with anyone who carries the weight of feeling like a burden. Your past, your mistakes, and the negative perceptions of others do not define you. God sees your worth, deeply loves you, and longs to pour His love into your life. Let His love wash over you, transform you, and set you free to embrace your identity as His beloved child.
If this article resonated with you, I encourage you to explore more of what embracing God’s love can do in your life. Dive deeper into related reflections like “Discover How to Love God With All You Are” or take inspiration from the powerful legacies of the “Seven Churches Exposed: A Powerful Prophetic Legacy”. These stories highlight God’s transformative love and faithfulness, encouraging you on your unique journey.
References
- John 3:16, 1 John 3:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:38-39.
- Personal reflections and experiences shared by the author.
- Photo by Warren on Unsplash
- Photo by Dewang Gupta on Unsplash