Devotionals for the Heart: When it's time to let go of the heavy loads

It’s Time to Let Go of the Extra Baggage
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”—Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)

One of the things travelers loved most about Southwest Airlines was the ability to check two bags for free. It was a standout feature that made flying a little easier and a little lighter. But recently, the airline ended that policy, announcing that passengers would now be charged for both the first and second checked bags. Anything beyond that? You’ll pay even more.

As I read the news, something stirred in my spirit. Isn’t that how life works, too? The more baggage we carry, the more it costs us.

I’m not talking about suitcases or carry-ons. I’m talking about the unseen loads we drag through life—emotional and spiritual burdens that quietly weigh us down. Unforgiveness. Shame. Anger. Regret. Wounds from the past that never fully healed. Mistakes that God has already forgiven, but we keep picking back up. Some of us are carrying full matched luggage sets, dragging them from one season to the next, wondering why we feel so heavy and worn out.

Here’s the truth: God never designed us to live burdened. He didn’t call us to be weighed down by baggage He already made provision to carry.

Jesus Christ makes a gentle, life-giving offer in Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT): Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

What a beautiful invitation. If you're tired—emotionally drained, spiritually burnt out, or just plain worn down—you can have hope because Jesus invites you to come to Him just as you are. Not get it together. Not try harder. Just come. And when we do, He doesn’t shame us for the baggage. He simply says, “Let Me carry that.”

The cost of extra baggage may not show up on your bank statement, but it will show up in other ways: in your peace of mind, your joy, your growth, and your connection with God and others. When we hold on to what God has called us to release, we lose clarity, freedom, and the lightness of walking in step with Him.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) encourages us with these words: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

You can’t run freely while dragging baggage you were never meant to carry. You can’t step fully into your calling when you're clinging to burdens Jesus Christ already carried on the cross. It’s time to release what’s behind so you can reach for what’s ahead.

In Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT), the Apostle Paul reminds us of an important life lesson that we can all learn. He said, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

God wants you to travel light. That means trusting Him with your past, believing Him for your future, and surrendering the messy in-between (your disappointments, your doubts, your questions) at His feet.

Maybe you’ve grown accustomed to the heaviness. Maybe your baggage feels so familiar that it’s become part of your identity. But hear this, my friend: you don’t have to carry it anymore. Jesus already paid the price for that excess baggage. The cross was more than enough. He bore the weight so you could walk free.

So today, unpack your baggage and lay it all before God—every hidden hurt, every secret shame, every lingering fear. He’s not surprised by what you’ve carried. He’s ready to exchange it for peace, healing, and rest. No more paying the cost for what God has already redeemed. No more dragging bags into your next season.

Let today be the day you travel lighter. It’s time to unpack. It’s time to let go. It’s time to move forward, freely and lightly, in Him.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I lay down the burdens I’ve been carrying, all those things You never intended for me to hold. Help me to trust You with my past, rest in Your presence today, and move forward in the freedom You’ve already provided. Teach me to travel light, anchored in Your grace and guided by Your peace. Thank You for always inviting me to come as I am and for lovingly lifting what weighs me down. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Come Just As You Are” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Press On” by Selah. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Pieces” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

~*~
Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com