During the last couple of seasons, LA Rams running back Todd Gurley has been one of the best players in the league. He’s dynamic, versatile, and highly skilled.

Gurley has averaged 326 touches per season over the last three years and has been the main focal point of their offense. But while compiling impressive statistics, his body has unfortunately taken a toll.

Despite overcoming a major knee injury during college and thriving in the NFL, last year he reinjured his knee and it continues to be a concern heading into this season.

According to NFL media reports, he and the team are responding to this issue in two ways:

First, to lighten the load on his left knee, he is looking to lose 6 pounds and get down to 218.

Secondly, the team is going to use other running backs to carry part of the workload.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has concluded, “The days of Todd Gurley just being the straight-up, every-down bell cow are probably over, just based on his knee, his age, the position, the amount of carries he’s had. It’s probably not going to be like that, which by the way is maybe why the Rams drafted a running back in the third round, someone they really like a lot. This is a team that is clearly ready to spread the ball around.”

This sounds like it will be very beneficial to Gurley’s longevity and should help alleviate some of his knee pain.

In our own lives, all too often we want to carry the load and don’t like to give up the ball. We want to be the workhorse that takes on all the responsibility, and even when we’re injured, we try to muster up enough of our own strength to keep going.

The truth is, all of us need to share each other’s burdens. We need someone to come alongside us and help carry us, and we need to help with the heavy load others are dealing with.

We need to serve one another, make sacrifices, assist those who are struggling, and love well. When we do, we can help alleviate some of the pain that is faced when trying to do it alone.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

The workhorse mentality of I can do it on my own…I don’t need anyone…I’m strong enough…and just give me the ball, plays out in another way as well. We try to save ourselves, carry the burden of being good enough by our efforts, and even try to do things for God in our own power.

Thankfully, God didn’t design us to operate that way. Instead, He sent Jesus to carry the burden of our sin and saves us by His grace.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-29 (AMP), “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.”

As Todd Gurley looks to “lighten the load” on his knee and the Rams switch their strategy to sharing the load between multiple running backs, let’s implement a similar approach in our own lives.

Today, let’s surrender and realize we don’t have to be the only one carrying the ball, but can share our burdens with others. We can also find freedom and rest in the finished work of Jesus.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for trying to do things in my own strength. I pray I’d rely on others to help carry me, but most importantly I’d rest in You. I know I don’t have to earn salvation, but it’s by Your wonderful grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.