I have been reading the book “Traveling Light” recently, even in the pouring rain of Saturday, when I was sitting in my car waiting for Grace to finish her ballad class in Peabody Towson. In this wonderful book, using the twenty-third Psalm, author Max Lucado walks us through a great load of our burdens which we were never meant to bear. But we are intended to carry these heavy luggage everyday during our journey of life. No wonder we got so weary. Wouldn’t it be nice to lose some of the bags? Psalm 23 tells you why and how:

1. Burden of a small god. Leave it behind! Because I have found “the Lord”

2. Burden of self-reliance. Never! Because “the Lord is my shepherd”

3. Burden of discontent. Forget it! Because “I shall not want”

4. Burden of weariness. No way! Because “He makes me to lie down”

5. Burden of worry. Put it down! Because “He leads me”

6. Burden of hopelessness. Why bother! Because “He restores my soul”

7. Burden of guilt. So-long! Because “He leads me in the paths of righteousness”

8. Burden of arrogance. Completely unnecessary! Because of “his name’s sake”

9. Burden of the valley of death. Don’t even mention! Because “He walk me through it”

10. Burden of the shadow of grief. Take it easy! Because “He guides me”

11. Burden of fear. Step back! Because “His presence comforts me”

12. Burden of loneliness. Cheer it up! Because “He is with us”

13. Burden of shame. Cover it up! Because “He has prepared a place for me in the presence of my enemies”

14. Burden of disappointments. Never mind! Because “He anoints me”

15. Burden of envy. Never ever! Because “my cup overflows”

16. Burden of doubt. Sure enough! Because “He follows me”

17. Burden of homesickness. Keep it! Because “I will dwell in the house of my Lord forever”

By the final moment only the last bag will remain. The one last sign of life will be the door bell to the grand celebration. And when you see Him, you’ll set it down. Just as a returning solider drops his carryings when he sees his wife, you’ll drop your longing when you see your Father. All the noise will cease when He cups your chin and says, “Welcome home.” And with scared hand he’ll wipe every tear from your eye. And you will dwell in the house of your Lord – forever!