1 Peter 5:7
“…cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.”
Thoughts from Pastor Stuart
Dive Deeper
Behind the Scenes
I love reading the writings of Peter because we see such a transformation that took place in his life. Before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Peter was anxious about everything. He pushed and strived. He was zealous and haughty. When Jesus is on trial, we see this aspect of Peter’s personality really become his downfall. He was worried, anxious, and afraid. When confronted about whether he followed Jesus, this overly zealous disciple denied his attachment to Jesus three times.
But after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter is transformed. We get to read about his encounter with the risen Messiah on the shore where Jesus gives him the opportunity to state his love and fidelity three different times. It’s through this interaction that we see a different Peter. He moves from being controlled by emotion to being controlled by the Spirit; from anxious and afraid, to peaceful and confident.
I think that’s why this verse resonates with me so much, because I can almost hear the personal wisdom Peter is attempting to pass on to his listeners. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “Look, I get it. But trust me, Jesus can handle your anxiety. I would know!”
I also love the reasoning that Peter gives here… “because He cares about you.” So powerful if you think about it! You can trust Him because He cares… the God of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, the amazing I AM… He cares about you. When we really sit in the truth of that simple statement it should move us.
Make it Real
This week we’ve been talking about relationships, and if there is one topic that tends to cause us the most anxiety, I think relationships rank right up there with money and politics. Relationships are hard, they’re messy, and they often don’t work the way we think they should. Whether we’re talking about a married relationship, a friend relationship, a parenting relationship, or a work relationship… whenever you put multiple sinful people together, there is always room for anxiety.
But what is anxiety if not for a doubt that God’s got us and that our identity, worth, and futures are safely in His hands? See the opposite of faith is anxiety. We saw it in Peter’s story. When he was at his lowest point, when he was trusting God the least, that’s when his anxiety was at its peak. And I see it in my own life too. Whenever I am anxious about something, when I feel that intense worry that is so distracting that I can’t think about anything else and it clouds my judgement, that’s when I am trusting God the least.
I don’t know what it is for you this week. What is it that always triggers that anxiety in you? Is it a dating or marriage relationship? Maybe it’s a relationship with your kids or with your parents. Maybe it’s that person at work who just drives you crazy?
Whatever it is, I do know this: God can handle your anxiety because He cares for you. And His care FAR outweighs anything we can be anxious about. In the light of His care, there is no room for the shadow of anxiety. His care literally chases those shadows away. So, wherever you find yourself today, turn to Him and let His perfect care cast out all your anxieties!
Crystal Garnett
ACF Digital Discipleship Team Lead
End in Prayer
Jesus,
Thank You for loving me the way You do! Thank You for being my safe place to turn to and trust. Thank You that I don’t have to be controlled by anxiety because You are more than enough for me. Help me today to trust You more and, in turn, be less anxious. Lord, I want to cast my anxieties on You, trusting fully that you see me, You hear me, and You are faithful!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!