Your Burdens

The son of slaves, Charles Tindley consistently demonstrated initiative. Born in Maryland on this day in 1851, he became determined to secure an education, in spite of the obstacles. He taught himself to read and write, and worked as a janitor while attending night school. He earned his divinity degree through a correspondence course, and even taught himself Greek and Hebrew. Then, in 1902, he became pastor of the Philadelphia church where he had served as janitor.

One day, Tindley was visited by a man who was overwhelmed with worries. Tindley responded, “My advice to you is put all your troubles in a sack, take ’em to the Lord, and leave ’em there.”

As he did so often (as the “father of Gospel music”), Tindley turned this conviction into a song. He wrote, “If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold, and you have to get along with meager fare, just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird; take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” The message was repeated: “If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.”

Tindley knew that this truth applied in every situation. “If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain, and your Soul is almost sinking in despair, Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal.”

Do you have burdens that seem overwhelming? It can be easy to go through the motions and still carry burdens. Don’t let this happen to you. Obey God’s Word! Cast your burdens on Him! And leave them with Him.