It was a hot summer morning in June when I met up with a friend for a morning walk. She and many others I know have a weighted vest that they often wear on their walks for the health benefits. I’ve googled them out of curiosity and decided that morning to ask my friend if I could wear hers that day to test it out. In case you are curious, it was a 12 pound vest. I know that may not sound like a lot, but it’s more than you think, especially on a hot June morning in Louisiana for almost 4 miles.
We hit the road and I was feeling good about the decision to test it out, but it didn’t take long for the affects of the weighted vest to kick in. My heart rate was higher than usual. My pace slowed down over time. My breathing and ability to talk, especially on the hills was hindered. The longer we walked the more the affects of this weight took its toll. As we made our way back to our starting point, it seemed so heavy, almost suffocating. I couldn’t wait to throw that vest off, literally. What a relief when I could finally take it off! I felt so light and free, like I could keep walking.
I wasn’t expecting a spiritual lesson from this experience but God used it to teach me something I so needed to know in a real and tangible way. I struggle with anxiety and depression. It can take hold of me and manifest itself in unhealthy ways. The vest reminded me of the weight of anxiety, depression and sin and the toll it can take on my daily walk with the Lord and with others. It also reminded me what it feels like to be free.
In Hebrews 11, we read about the great cloud of witnesses from the past who demonstrated deep trust and by faith put their belief in action. In Hebrews 12:1-3, we read these words, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
The stories we find in Hebrews 11 give us encouragement and hope for our faith journeys. The story and life of Jesus offer us that too and so much more. In Galatians 5:1, Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
As we celebrate the freedoms we have as a nation, I am more than ever aware of the freedom we have in Christ. The weighted vest stands as a reminder of how my anxiety, depression, and sin weigh me down and keep me from running the race. The burdens we carry keep us from experiencing the freedom, joy, and abundant life that Christ died to offer us all. For all that He suffered and endured, I will not grow weary and lose heart, and neither should you.
I offer these questions to you that I have also pondered with the Lord and written about in my journal – What is weighing you down and keeping you from running the race set before you? What is so heavy that you need to throw off so that you can be free? Do you have a weariness of heart? Consider Jesus. Cast your cares on Him. Throw off everything that is hindering you, the sin that so easily entangles you and you will be free to run with perseverance the race marked for you in Christ.
