On January 23, 1960, oceanographers Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard ventured to the deepest part of the sea, known as the Challenger Deep at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The Challenger Deep lies an astonishing 36,000 feet beneath the surface of the ocean. In comparison, Mount Everest stretches 29,029 feet above sea level. Should it be dropped to the base of the Challenger Deep, Everest would not come close to breaking the water’s surface. These are unthinkable places — unimaginable, darker-than-the-night depths. Sometimes we feel as though we are existing in those depths, fighting to glimpse the light of hope.

To reach the bottom of the ocean, Walsh and Piccard equipped their vessel with nine tons of iron weights. In the same way, the overwhelming aspects of this world can sink us to spaces equally remote, just as dark and lonely. These dark places leave us feeling terribly uncertain. Anxiety sets in as darkness encroaches around us. The burdens of life, sorrows of circumstances, or chains of sin plunge us to places we fear no light can reach.

And yet, just as the explorers released their ballast of weights when it came time to leave the ocean floor behind, God wants to release us from our weights also. Matthew 11:28-30 tells us, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” And in 1 Peter 5:7 we’re told to, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

We can trade the weight of this world for the hope of God’s glory. The God who sent His Son to the cross on our behalf waits eagerly for us to lay our burdens at His feet. He takes us out of the domain of darkness and into His glorious light!

 

“Come to Me right now

If you’re burdened down

Come to Me and I will give you rest

For your weary soul

I will ease your load

Come to Me

 

You have labored much

Felt like giving up

Come to Me and I will give you rest

Turn your eyes this way, I am your escape

Come to Me”

Listen to “Come To Me” from “Hidden In My Heart, Volume III.”