I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. Leviticus 26:13

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for a long time.

One day is actually too much.

But God rescued them, bringing them out of slavery under Moses’ leadership.

God broke the bars of their yoke, which was incredibly heavy as slaves.

He freed them, causing them to lose not only their yoke, but instead walk completely upright.

They were no longer prisoners.

One can only walk upright without a burden on their back.

Ever tried to carry something heavy or awkward?

We usually stoop at least a bit.

Or what about internal burdens not physically seen?

Those are usually bigger.

The pressures and weight cause us to walk around slightly hunched, eyes downward, gloom written on our faces.

Even our eyes look sad when we are under the yoke of burdens, which become our prison as we constantly feel the pressures, not aware of any escape.

God reminds us in Leviticus of His deliverance from slavery. Of the prison the Israelites were dwelling.

And He also reminds us He has broken the bars of that yoke, allowing us to walk uprightly.

Do you want to walk uprightly as one who has received God’s peace and strength?

Eager to break out of your prison?

Have you given your burdensome yoke to God?

Those pressing situations causing you to stoop over with anxiety or fear?

He wants to break your yoke, allowing you to walk out of your prison, into the freedom He has for you.

As you release all things to God, He will straighten your back, causing a smile to spread across your face.

Walk uprightly. Smile. Look others in the eyes.

You are God’s beloved one. He has your life in His hands.

And He has all the stuff you worry about, too.

When you place your trust in God for not only your salvation, but your life here on earth as well, your prison doors are opened.

Give God your relationships, your jobs, your addictions, your future, and more.

And don’t allow that yoke to reattach as worry and fear begin creeping back into control.

God is more powerful than your burden.

Allow Him to take it off.

He’ll even help you with the transfer.

Now don’t worry about where He put it.

Just pray and trust Him instead.

Doesn’t it feel great to stand tall again?

Photos by Artem Beliaikin, Daniel Born, Daniel Krueger , & Ben White on Unsplash