"For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning." -Psalm 38:4–6

This is the life of sin. Disregard for God and the ensuing heavy burden that follows our messes and foolishness. Noticed rightly in our lives, it leaves us broken, bowed, and mourning.

For the psalmist, life follows this course. Enemies surround and mock. His own missteps color all of life. It is a grave place in which to remain. Then he cries out, “Don't forsake me Lord, don't be far off… oh Lord of my salvation” (Psalm 38:21-22). He knows where his help comes from; for us, in Christ the help has come.

At belief in Jesus, we have realized this salvation, the lifting of the burden and the brokenness. He now gives us a light yoke to wear around our necks, one that he earns for us. It is no burden at all but instead opportunity and permission to serve him like never before. The condemnation once felt is now toothless, and our mourning is turned to joy. We are free from our iniquities and foolishness and live by the Spirit that lives in us.

There might be moments of conviction when we slide back into foolishness, but Jesus does not dish out wrath; he dishes out love and invigoration to live anew.

Today, whatever the burdens, turn to Jesus and hear of him lifting them. Rest in his nearness and forgiveness of sin. Live in him, and all of the day, go about rejoicing.

This is an excerpt from Depths a daily devotional written by Jonathan Shradar.