This fall, I took my kids to a cider mill and pumpkin patch. We picked apples and picked out pumpkins, all while enjoying the wonderful scent of fresh donuts and apple cider. One of the highlights of our trip was an apple-picking adventure that included a wagon ride through the orchard. My kids decided we should pick apples as we walked and then take the wagon ride back.

So, we walked along, filling our bag with apples. By the time we reached the wagon pick-up spot, the bag was full and heavy. I was relieved when we finally boarded the wagon. As soon as I set the apples down, I no longer felt the weight of carrying them—the wagon carried them instead.

This simple experience reminded me of the invitation Jesus extends to us:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Just as the wagon carried our apples, Jesus invites us to give Him our burdens. When He carries them, we no longer have to bear the weight ourselves. But how do we do this practically? Here are three steps to trust Jesus with your cares:

1. Come and Pray

Jesus always invites us to come to Him in prayer. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) We don’t have to hold on to our burdens—Jesus asks us to hand them over. When we bring our cares and concerns to Him in prayer, we open ourselves to the peace and rest He offers.

2. Take His Yoke of Rest and Trust

Jesus promises to give us rest—it is a gift! But we have to take it. To truly rest in Him, we must trust Him with our burdens. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you.” (2 Peter 3:9) When we trust that God is working in our situation, even when we don’t see immediate answers, we can release our anxiety and find rest in His promises.

3. Learn from Him

Jesus describes Himself as gentle and humble, and He calls us to learn from Him. How do we do that? By spending time in His Word. When we read and meditate on Scripture, we gain wisdom and strength for our journey. Even dedicating just a few days a week to devotional reading, Bible study, or prayer time can help us grow in faith and experience true rest for our souls.

Turning Heavy Apples into Apple Crisp

The yoke Jesus offers is not one of burden but one of hope, joy, and peace. When we surrender our struggles to Him, we can experience His love, joy, and peace—the things that are truly light and easy to carry. So instead of carrying a heavy load, let Jesus transform it into something beautiful, just like turning a full bag of apples into delicious apple crisp.

If you’re carrying something heavy today, I encourage you to let it go and give it to Jesus. He is more than capable of carrying it for you.

P.S. Message if you need prayer!