This morning I revisited a childhood memory.
I was livid, curled up on the floor of the front passenger seat of our station wagon. We arrived back home from church and I vowed I would just stay there until I died. Only after what felt like a few hours, I grew bored.
My anger continued to seethe inside me, but my anxious mind needed an outlet. Amidst the McDonald’s wrappers and other trash by my head was the morning’s discarded Sunday School flyer of our Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. The lesson of the day taught Jesus could take our burdens. I did not want Jesus to take my burdens— I was relishing my anger— but out of sheer boredom, I went through the motions. I asked Jesus anyway, with utter insincerity and a rage to match.
Instantly my anger disappeared, shocking me. I tried to stoke it back up to no avail. I left the car in awe, knowing this great God had touched me and was very real.
Today is El*ction Day in the United States. Divisiveness, contention, acrimony and rage have characterized this v*ting season more than any past year in my lifetime. And most Believers I have encountered through social media really do not even want Jesus to touch that. Like me curled up on the floorboard, perhaps they too feel angry and justified.
In the midst of imperfect repentance, you can still move toward God and ask Him to take the storm within your soul. The judgement. The hatred. The dissension. The fear of the future. The frustration.
Whatever situation had incensed me that Sunday morning, I have no recollection, but what I do remember is the power of God to remove my burden. Likewise, today, He is standing by to remove yours too.
Just ask Him.