Giving it to Christ: A Visualization

Often life seems unmanageable. We struggle under the weight of our responsibilities and our concerns. We strain to bear loads that hinder our growth and progress. Too often we forget our Saviors call to “Come unto [him]” when we “labor and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28).

This is one of the purposes of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The scriptures are clear: He is willing to take all of our burdens, pains, concerns, fears, etc. from us and give us instead a “yoke [that] is easy” and a “burden [that] is light” (Matthew 11:30).

Alma 7:11-12 emphasizes this:
11. And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

“Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Mosiah 14:4), and yet, it is sometimes hard to give Christ the burdens that we feel are our responsibility. I have, in my life, been using a visualization to help me let go and give my problems to Him. I hope it will be helpful to you as well.

Find a quiet, comfortable place that you can be still and uninterrupted for several minutes. If you can’t find anywhere in your home, you may find it helpful to sit in the car with the doors locked.

Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Breathe so deeply that you feel your shoulders rise. Then release this breath completely; exhale until you feel as if there is no air left in your lungs. Relax and become comfortable in your seat. Visualize yourself walking along a trail wearing a heavy backpack. As you walk, your pack becomes increasingly difficult to carry. In fact you’re so burdened by it that it slows your progress. It’s so heavy you can’t even stand up straight. You’re not sure why you’re carrying all of these things in your backpack. In fact, you don’t even remember what you put in it. You ask yourself, why am I carrying all this? As you ponder, you see that the trail up ahead opens into a clearing. It’s beautiful and full of light. You move towards it and see a man standing in the middle of the clearing. You do not feel threatened or unsafe about approaching him; instead you are filled with peace. Eventually you’re close enough to see him clearly and you recognize him: He’s your Savior, Jesus Christ and He’s standing next to a comfortable bench. You approach him; he smiles at you and says: “That backpack looks very heavy. Sit down and rest for a moment. Is there anything in that backpack you would like to let go of? I would be happy to carry it for you.” Because your pack has become so heavy and so burdensome, you decide to take a look. You take off the backpack and set it down. As you open it, you’re amazed at what you’ve been carrying. Take a moment to consider what you’re carrying. Then imagine yourself removing items one by one from your pack. As you remove each item, ask yourself: Do I need to take responsibility for this? Is this something I need in my journey? If not, am I willing to give it to Christ? Remember He has promised that He will take care of it for you. Imagine giving each burden to Him. As you do, He looks at you with love and takes each item from you. Each time you feel a weight lifted from you. Love and light replaces that space in your backpack. Soon you have sorted through all the items in your pack. Christ has taken much for you. As you put your pack on your shoulders, you notice that it is so light you hardly feel it. Thank Christ for taking those things you’ve given him. As you do this, He reaches out and gives you a warm, loving hug. He tells you that he is always here if you need him to take any more of your burdens. It is now time to continue your journey. As you leave the clearing, again take several deep breaths. Return to where you began. Feel your seat under you; notice the sounds and smells around you. Slowly open your eyes. Take several more deep breaths. Press the fingers of your hands together and press your tongue to the inside of your top teeth. This will help ground you to the current place and time.

Upon completion this visualization, journal about the process; how you felt about giving things to Christ? Does this make you path in life seem easier? And any other thoughts you might have about it.

Remember, you can do this visualization at any time, with any burden you may be struggling to carry. I urge you to use the gift of healing that Christ has given to all of us. I know that the Atonement of Christ is real and that he can carry our burdens. He has done it for me. He has taken so many of my burdens, pains, concerns, and fears, allowing me to continue my journey in greater peace and serenity. He will do it for you. You just have to be willing to give it to Him.