Putting Worry In Its Place

Have you ever tried to take matters into your own hands? I have.
Are you trying to wait patiently for God’s next step or for breakthrough in a circumstance, yet your heart wrestles with restlessness because you want to something to happen now?  Me too.

Recently, I studied 1 Peter and this verse held my heart:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5.6)

Through it God comforts, commands, guides and loves.
That’s a lot of  power in 30 words.

We are under the mighty hand of God—a hand mightier than any prey or plan set against us.

God watches over us and whispers direction to us.

He knows our every challenge and He has purpose through it. For our good, He commands: Humble yourselves. He explains: casting all your anxieties on him.

Casting is far more than talking about our worries.

Here’s an example I think we all can relate to:
Our car is making a weird sound, so we take it to an auto shop. We don’t tell the mechanic about the sound and then drive the car away. We give him the car. We give him the problem because we know the problem is beyond our skill set. We decide to trust him.

Sometimes we tell our worries to God – but hold on to them.

When we cast anxiety, we practice humility.
God, I want to take this matter into my own hands. I have a plan, an idea, a conversation that seems really good to me. But, I give it to You. Your plan is always wisest.

Our pride exposed, we don’t want to handle things our way.
We submit our worry. We decide to trust the Maker of heaven and earth.

…because he cares for you. God demonstrated on the cross the length and depth of his care.

Dear God,
Strengthen us to entrust our worries to you. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for Your care. Thank You for Your mighty hand over my loved ones and me. Amen.