My grasp on the steering wheel tightened as I forced myself not to make a left into a local farm stand. The sign read “manure wanted”; a perfect place for me to dump an overflowing wheelbarrow of life’s problems. Obviously they wanted fertilizer. I desperately wanted relief.

Life’s circumstances had been growing like weeds causing new levels of frustration and stress. Dark clouds seemed to be following me blurring out any available sunlight. Pressure reigned – home, family, my job, finances-the list seemed endless. Relief was nowhere in sight, my resolve was squelched like a rutted field.

Joy was fleeting. Hope was dim.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.

God actually wants the wheelbarrows of our fears, struggles, heart aches, concerns dumped His feet. God wants us to feel free enough to open our hearts to Him, to speak with Him, to trust Him enough to handle our struggles.

Truth be told-my problems weren’t actually my problem. Why would I bother the creator of the universe with my petty junk? My problem was pride; I wanted to be the one to fix everything all by myself. Pride kept me from asking God to help and it took a farm stand sign to get my attention.

The “manure wanted” sign will be a reminder of God’s unbelievable desire to care for me and to lighten my overburdened soul. May I learn to trust God enough to “dump my junk” at His feet.