Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7, NIV)
I enjoy comparing versions of Scripture. The NASB reads “Casting all your care upon Him.” I have to admit to many cares in my life. What will happen to my body next? I seem to have a never-ending progression of symptoms that provoke anxiety if I let them. I find it to be an awesome thing that we are told to cast all of our anxiety onto Him. Not part, not some – but “all”.
How reassuring to know that the reason He tells us to give our problems to Him is that He cares for us. It can be so hard to understand why we are faced with the challenges life has presented to us, but at the same time, we have a Lord and Savior who cares about everything in our lives.
It’s hard not to worry or fret, but God asks me to give it all to Him and not take it back. I heard an interesting story about a woman who would put her garbage out at the curb and then a few hours later go out again and bring it back inside. Doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it?
I like to visualize taking a problem, putting it on a hook and casting it far out into a lake. I then imagine propping up the pole and simply walking away. If it comes back to mind, I tell myself, ‘Nope, you can’t go there – unless you want to dive down into that mucky water and bring it back.” That is usually enough to help me realize what I am doing. No, it’s not easy, but it certainly has reduced the anxiety in my life and is helping me to realize just how much God does care for me – enough to carry it “all.”
Father God, Thank you that do not ask us to go down this road alone. Thank you that through your grace and mercy, you will take our cares and carry them for us. Let us be willing to take you at your word – that you will do exactly what you say, because you care for each one of us. Amen.