Bowed Down By Burdens
“And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”
— Luke 13:11-13
As one who suffers from back issues and other joint problems, I still can't imagine how this poor woman felt. Eighteen years! What a long time to be stooped over, staring at the ground. Never able to look up and see the sun. Longing to look others in the face but settling for fixating on their shoes. Bowed down. Bent over. What a sad state!
And yet many of us can relate to it on an emotional level. No, we may not suffer from the same back-bending infirmity this dear woman possessed, but I'm sure we all know how it feels to not be able to look up. Perhaps, we can't because our hearts are heavy, and we're discouraged. Maybe, we can't stand up straight because we're bowed down under the weight of the burdens we carry.
Whatever the case, Jesus wants us to be free. He wants us to walk straight and to look up. He desires that we focus on the sunshine and the smiles of those around us. Just as He wasn't willing for the woman to remain in her physical prison, neither is He willing for us to stay in our emotional one. He longs to set us free, and here's how He does it.
“Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”
— Psalm 3:1-3
Oh, how I love this psalm! I can so relate to the psalmist's heart here though his enemies were physical and mine are spiritual. Still, his words ring true to my heart and bring comfort my soul, especially that last phrase of verse 3: the lifter up of mine head.
Jesus knows the weight I'm under. He knows the thoughts that get me down and the situations that drive me to frustration. He is fully aware of the discouragement I often face and the anxiety that regularly threatens to overwhelm me. And in knowing my weaknesses, He understands that sometimes I don't even have the strength to lift my head. Like the woman in our story, I'm bowed down, not out of respect but out of necessity.
But just like that woman, Jesus lays His hands on me. He gently cups my face in His loving hands and lifts my eyes to meet His. At that moment, I remember how much I am loved, and my burdens seem so much lighter. Not only that, but His loving gaze reminds me of one of His dearest promises to me—I will never leave you or forsake you. Without saying a word, His eyes confirm that I don't have to carry my burdens alone. Before I know it, my body is straight, and my eyes are turned heavenward, thanking my God for His great love and care for me.
Oh, dear friends, no matter what you're facing today, God is facing it with you. Allow Him to lift your head out of your sorrows and focus your gaze on Him. Your burdens may not instantly disappear, but your vision and perspective will drastically improve.