While preparing for a class on prayer, I came across a little anecdote that packs a powerful message—“Even the camel has the sense to kneel down at night and have his burden removed.”

When we feel the pangs of guilt, we must have the burden removed by confessing our sins to God (1 John 1:8-9)—and, if necessary, to man (James 5:16). When we feel overwhelmed with the events of our daily life, we must have the sense to find a little peaceful solace with our Father in heaven to help relieve the stress. Perhaps this is why Jesus always took time by Himself to commune with His God (Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:23). When we feel the burning fires of temptation, we must have the habit of prayer so deeply instilled within us that it is second nature to go to God and seek His cooling comfort (Hebrews 2:18). Seeking His guidance in prayer should be our first priority, not our last resort!

Consider the wisdom in the awkward looking beast we call the camel. He was born to bear burden upon burden. Yet, God’s children were not born to bear the burdens they often choose to bear: stress, turmoil, guilt, anxiety, sin—burdens that draw us farther and farther away from God. Remember the Lord’s great invitation, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Remember it, and then have the good sense to bow down to your Father in prayer and have your daily burden removed.