A Lighter Way - Encouragement for Today - April 21, 2026

Caroline Beidler April 21, 2026

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Have you joined the rucking craze? If you haven’t heard of it, rucking is a form of exercise by walking with added weight, often a weighted vest. I finally bought one after two things happened. First, my sister-in-law told me she swears by it (and she’s got the bod to back it up). Second, a little bit of Googling revealed the many benefits for women of a certain age. Ahem, my age now.

When the vest arrived, I hoisted it on my shoulders (with my husband’s help) and instantly felt a couple of inches shorter. Walking around the neighborhood, I felt the weight of every step, my shoulders and neck straining, my abdominals engaging.

It made me think about how the trials we endure can be heavy, too — especially when we are carrying them alone.

Addiction, divorce, death, cancer, trauma. Just turning on the news some days can feel like wearing the weight of the world. When we feel alone in our trials, it can be even heavier.

But God offers a lighter way. In Galatians 6:2, God’s Word through the Apostle Paul reminds us that we’re called to be there for each other: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” We were never meant to do life or face trials alone.

Maybe right now, you’re in that liminal space between troubles (praise the Lord!). If so, perhaps you can step into the life of another person who is struggling. Maybe a co-worker or family member is caring for a loved one who is wrestling with addiction. Or perhaps a friend is going through a difficult divorce. Whatever the trial, we can lean in and not shy away from serving those in need. We can be there to lift the heaviness off their shoulders and carry some of the weight for a while.

Or perhaps you are the one who feels overburdened, overwhelmed, and alone. Lean into the community around you, call on your people, or visit a local ministry that supports whatever issue you’re facing. (Recovery ministries are incredible places for people struggling with addiction and their families.)

Remember: You are not a burden, though what you carry may feel like it.

Together, we can experience what Jesus shares in Matthew 11:28-30:

“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” (NIV).

When we lean into each other and on Jesus, the heaviness of life is replaced with Light.

Heavenly Father, You know the trials of life can feel heavy. Please help us to lean into community when we struggle and to be a support for others in need. Help us to rely on You in the heaviness of life and to trust in Your yoke. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If you or a loved one is impacted by addiction, grab a copy of Caroline Beidler’s book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide to Understanding Addiction.

You don’t have to do this alone. Understanding recovery changes everything.

ENGAGE

Connect with Caroline by subscribing to her monthly letter delivered right to your inbox — and receive a special note with her favorite mental health tools and resources.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of When You Love Someone in Recovery by Caroline Beidler. To celebrate this book, Caroline’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, April 27, 2026.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV).

How can you show up today to help carry someone’s burden? How can you reach out if it feels like you are carrying the weight of the world? Share with us in the comments.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/andreswd

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org