Carrying burdens is a common human experience. We all face challenges, responsibilities, and struggles that can feel like heavy weights upon our shoulders. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say about dealing with burdens. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about burdens:
Galatians 6:2 – Bear One Another’s Burdens
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV)
This verse reminds us that we are not meant to carry burdens alone. We should help bear each other’s burdens by offering practical help, emotional support, and prayer. As we help others with their burdens, we fulfill Christ’s law of love.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus Gives Rest for Weary Souls
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)
When feeling weighed down by life’s burdens, we can come to Jesus to find rest and refreshment. He invites us to take his yoke upon us – to learn from him and live in obedience to him. This brings relief as we trust him to carry our burdens with us.
Psalm 55:22 – Cast Your Burden on the Lord
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22 ESV)
Rather than carrying burdens alone, we can cast them upon the Lord. He has broad shoulders and strong arms. When we truly give Him our burdens in prayer and trust, He will sustain us and keep us steady.
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast All Your Anxieties on God
“…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)
Peter encourages us to cast all of our anxieties on God because He cares for us. He wants us to exchange the weight of worry for the peace of His presence. He is ready to shoulder our burdens when we cast them on Him.
2 Corinthians 4:17 – Momentary Troubles Achieving Eternal Glory
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…” (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV)
Paul reminds us that the burdens we carry now are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. Our troubles are achieving for us an incomparable eternal reward as we trust in Christ. This eternal perspective helps us endure burdens.
Philippians 4:6-7 – The Peace of God Will Guard Your Heart
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
Rather than being anxious, we can lift up our burdens to God in prayer, with thanksgiving. As we do this, the supernatural peace of God guards our hearts and minds from being overwhelmed. God’s peace helps bear our burdens.
Psalm 68:19 – The Lord Bears Our Burdens Daily
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.” (Psalm 68:19 ESV)
We have the blessing of knowing that the Lord bears the weight of our burdens every single day. He is our salvation, delivering us from the crushing load of challenges we cannot carry on our own. We give Him praise for His daily strength.
Nahum 1:7 – The Lord is Good, a Stronghold in Times of Trouble
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7 ESV)
When we feel overwhelmed by burdens, God offers Himself as our stronghold and refuge. He promises to be our helper and protector in times of trouble. We can take shelter in Him and trust His goodness.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – God Will Strengthen You and Guard You
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV)
No matter what burdens we carry, God remains faithful. He will establish and strengthen us, shielding us from the attacks of the evil one. We can rely on His faithfulness to uphold us.
Isaiah 41:10 – Do Not Fear, For I Am With You
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
This powerful promise reassures us that we do not need to fear while bearing burdens. God is with us, ready to give strength, help, and sustenance. We can trust His righteous right hand to hold us steady through any challenge.
Isaiah 43:2 – When You Pass Through Deep Waters
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2 ESV)
Even in overwhelming times of hardship and trial, this verse promises that God remains present with us. Though we pass through deep and fiery trials, He promises to sustain us in a way that defies worldly possibility.
Matthew 6:34 – Do Not Be Anxious About Tomorrow
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34 ESV)
Rather than being consumed by worry about future burdens, Jesus reminds us to focus just on today. Each day has enough trouble of its own without being burdened by tomorrow’s burdens as well. We can cast those on Jesus.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – My Grace is Sufficient For You
“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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
This powerful promise spoken from Christ to Paul echoes through the centuries to us today. In our weakest moments, under the heaviest burdens, God’s grace proves strong and sufficient to carry us. His power works most perfectly as we rely fully on Him.
Romans 8:28 – God Works All Things for the Good of Those Who Love Him
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
During seasons of burdens and trials, this verse reminds us of God’s overall sovereignty. No matter what difficulties we face, He promises to use them ultimately for the good of those who love Him. We can trust His purpose in our pain.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
This classic proverb calls us to fully rely on the Lord, even when life doesn’t make sense to us. As we acknowledge Him through prayer, Scripture, and worship, He will lead us step-by-step down the straightest paths.
Psalm 18:2 – The Lord is My Rock, My Fortress, My Deliverer
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 ESV)
When burdens feel overwhelming, we can call on God using the powerful names declared in this verse. He is our rock – stable and unshifting. He is our fortress and deliverer. He shields us and keeps us safe. He is our strong refuge.
Psalm 73:26 – God is the Strength of My Heart
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26 ESV)
Even when our physical bodies and emotions are spent, God remains the strength of our hearts. He renews and refreshes us daily, providing His power and peace. He promises to be our portion and sustenance forever.
Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are Those Who Mourn
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 ESV)
When feeling weighed down by grief and sorrow, Jesus pronounces a blessing over those who mourn. In our seasons of sadness, He draws near to comfort us. Our mourning will one day turn to joy in His presence.
James 1:2-4 – Count it All Joy
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)
James challenges believers to respond to burdens with joy and patience. As we lean into trials, our faith is refined and strengthened. Steadfast endurance through hardship leads to maturity and wholeness in Christ.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible offers deep encouragement, wisdom, and peace when dealing with burdens. Key themes include relying on God’s strength rather than our own, prayerfully giving Him our anxious thoughts, and trusting in His faithful love and sovereignty. He knows our pain and wants to bear our burdens with us. We can find rest by coming to Him.