“They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”

— Numbers 11:17

Moses and the Israelites had been camping in the desert for over two years as God made his covenant with them and began leading them to the land he had promised them. They knew God would take them there, and they knew Moses was the leader to do it, but the longer it took, the more anxious and unsettled the people became. Moses became unsettled too, and he was nearly at a breaking point.

Many people experience similar kinds of stresses, leading to anxiety, doubt, and fear. Some even reach the point of burnout, unsure of what to do next. The beauty of this story is that it shows how God steps into Moses’ situation to rescue and relieve him, to offer support when he needs it most.

God instructs Moses to seek out others who can help to carry the burden of leadership and relieve some of the stress he has been feeling. Further, God tells Moses that his Spirit will be on these leaders as they walk alongside Moses in the journey ahead.

Through God’s power and by this strength, Moses and all the Israelites are encouraged as God intervenes and provides for their needs.

Lord God, you know us better than we know ourselves. Thank you for the tender way you step in and walk alongside us when we are struggling. By your Spirit, restore us, and may we also gain courage and compassion to step in and minister to others through the strength you provide for us. Amen.