When the pressure and stress of daily life are overwhelming, we can turn to Christ to find peace and relief. He promises that with his help, we can persevere and grow through our trials.
Photo by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Something that I’ve recently learned about myself is that I can find a reason to be anxious basically all the time. Current contributors include finishing my last semester of college, searching for a full-time job, and surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. However, even without these stressors, anxiety is my constant companion. I know that my situation isn’t unique and that many other people—in similar life circumstances or in very different ones—also feel stressed and anxious. How do we manage stress so it doesn’t become overwhelming?
We can find an answer to this question in Sterling C. Hilton’s BYU devotional address, “His Burden Is Light.” Hilton explains that Christ lovingly invites all of us to turn our troubles over to him: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).
Christ said his burden is “light.” At first, this statement sounds like Christ’s burden is weightless and easy to carry. But, Hilton asks, “what if we consider light as a noun instead of as an adjective?” From this perspective, taking on Christ’s burden involves taking up the cause of light, meaning righteousness, goodness, and responsibility. When we’re yoked with Christ, taking up the cause of “light” makes it possible for us to travel the difficult course of righteousness without becoming overwhelmed.
Following the course of righteousness means turning our troubles over to Christ. We should learn of him, seek his will in all things, and humbly strive to follow his example. We can change our focus from trying to be in control to acknowledging that God is in control. Doing so will make room in our minds to better understand our Heavenly Father’s plan for us and to actively take part in his work to bring about light. His plan is perfect, and we can’t mess it up if we’re striving to follow his will.
Read or listen to Sterling C. Hilton’s devotional address, “His Burden Is Light,” to discover more about how we can be yoked with Christ to overcome our challenges and take up his cause of righteousness.
Source: BYU Speeches
—Sara McOmber, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY ANDREA PIACQUADIO
Find more insights
Read Howard W. Hunter’s BYU devotional address “Fear Not, Little Flock” to learn more about finding peace in Christ.
Take a look at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ webpage on mental health to find resources for managing stress and anxiety.