Encumbrance, what is an encumbrance?  According to the dictionary:
To weigh down unduly; lay too much upon.  A burden.

What is weighing you down?  What burden is pulling you down day by day?
How do you, or anyone, get rid of that weight which is too much to bear?

(NASB) Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

Lay aside every encumbrance…that isn’t so easy, is it?  We keep re-hashing our burdens…and we go down, down, down.  Emotionally and mentally, we become depressed and we don’t see any light!  God says to “lay aside every encumbrance” and focus your thoughts on Him.

Read His word, pray His word, and believe His word – for He cannot speak lies or falsehoods.  His word is enduring; it never, ever, changes.  Give Him your burdens…because He cares for you!  Yield your life to the living God.

What we know with our mind, doesn’t always translate to our emotions.  If we let them, our emotions can have a lot of power over us.  “Lay aside every encumbrance.” Turn from thinking incessantly about your anxieties and turn your thoughts to the Lord Jesus, He cares for you!

(NASB) 1 Peter 5:6-7 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

Be alert to your enemy, the devil…he is not your friend.
Resist the devil – be firm in your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tell the Almighty, living God your troubles and anxieties – remember:
(NIV) Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…”

Jesus is the solution to the burdens you are carrying…no trite or overused expression can make light of your real anxieties.

Take it to heart ~

The reality of Jesus – if you are a follower of Christ, He is your Savior.  Keep your eyes and thoughts fixed on Him.  Run – do not walk, to God Himself and His words in the Holy Bible.

(NASB) Psalm 147:5 “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength;
His understanding is infinite.”

God is not limited by your burdens and anxieties…He is ready to take them and give you freedom in Christ so you can endure the race of life – today!  His understanding of your circumstances…is infinite.  He cares for you, He strengthens you and His understanding is without limit.  For these reasons take your encumbrances (your burdens) to Him.