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Chaplain's Corner

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Tension

3 Sep 2021 | Lt. Cmdr. Michael Griggs Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

The right kind of tension handled well makes us stronger people, but tension handled in a way that doesn’t fit can be bad for us. For example, you might own a half-ton pickup truck rated at an 8,000 pound towing capacity. You need to pull 11,000 pounds. You know if you use your truck it would cause a too much tension that would strain it, and maybe damage it. Extreme cases can destroy a truck.  

If you have a load you “have” to pull, the smartest solution is to go from a half ton truck to a three quarter ton truck. The manufacturer designed it for a heavier load, possibly enough for your heavy load.

More people speak of being “anxious” and full of tension than ever before. The quick fix most people seek is legal medication or self-medication with dangerous habit forming illegal drugs and alcohol. For everybody that will listen, Jesus speaks to you and with great passion and asks you to let him help you with all your troubles. He’ll remind you that humanity was born in a garden with beauty and all their needs were met (Genesis 2-3). We will not be happy until we allow him to place that garden atmosphere back into our spirit. He’ll tell you that he has a plan for keeping you from experiencing strife (2 Timothy 2:24) and that peace is a gift he’ll give you, (2 Corinthians 3:17) and all you have to do is receive it.

He'll also tell you that no matter how heavy your life’s load has become he will partner with you to get things done without you being in a strain. He said this already in Matthew 11:28-30, “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.” (NLT)

A yoke is a wooden harness an animal would wear and attach it by ropes to a wagon for the pulling of a load. The full implication is that the yoke Jesus spoke of is a double-yoke. He puts his head in one side and you in the other, and together you get things done! He’s the strongest by far. All you have to do is pay attention to when he steps, then you step. When he changes direction you move with him. It’s not fair is it? People of the world system have to do things on their own, but you just upgraded your personal load to a three quarter ton or one ton, or whatever you need just by choosing to accept Jesus, keep your eyes on him, and moving just like him.

Tension from life’s load… nothing to it, as long as you partner with Jesus!

The Chaplain’s Corner covers everything faith related.  Facts not attributed are purely the opinion of the writer.