Check Your Baggage At the Door

“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

How much baggage did you carry into your marriage?  Some of us brought so much baggage with us, it’s a wonder we could drag it up the aisle!  The funny thing is, once we were side-by-side with our handsome groom, we proceeded to pile it on top of him!

What in the world am I talking about?  We carry baggage from our past with us every day.  Our preconceived notions, our attitudes, our fears, and our childhood problems are all a part of who we are today.

When we’re not grounded in our faith, we expect our spouses to take care of and “solve” the baggage we carry.  For example, if someone struggles with insecurity or low self esteem, this bride might expect her husband to make her feel good about herself. When he doesn’t take care of this “baggage,” problems crop up.
What should we do with our baggage?  Check it at the door, the door to our Lord, that is.  Our husbands cannot solve our problems.  God can.

As a matter of fact, Jesus told us to bring our baggage to Him in Matthew 11:28-30.  He wants to help us carry the load.

Remember how much Jesus loves you.  He knows all about the baggage in your life. When you pray to Jesus, asking Him to take control of your life, you will find you do not need to pressure your husband to “fix” things which are beyond his capability to fix.

You can give all those insecurities, concerns, worries, doubts to Jesus.  Walk with Him…and you will find rest for your soul.

The next time you start to feel angry or disappointed in your marriage, think about whether you’re dealing with a “baggage” issue.  Go to Jesus for answers, not your husband.
Also, be sure to pray for your husband.  He is, quite simply, another cracked, imperfect, pot sharing a life with you.  He needs your prayers.  He, after all, has his own pile of baggage.

Prayer is the best way to deal with any “baggage” issue.  Check your baggage at the door.  It’s so much easier to walk together in life without it.