Anxiety, Pt. I

1 Peter 5:7
“casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you”.

One of the big human struggles is with anxiety. We all wrestle with it. Some people are so anxious that it’s visible on their faces and in their actions. It can be too overwhelming.

The most notable different in coming to Christ was experiencing His peace. It didn’t happen overnight, but it was a gradual calming. I would still get anxious, but not at the same level. It began to affect my sleep. It also was more peaceful. Coming to Christ was my first step in casting my cares on Him.

Giving our cares to Him needs to be a daily practice. It’s done by faith as we rarely feel instantly relieved. We know He’s there and He’s going to help. After doing so, we move on. It’s helpful if we can busy ourselves with another task. We are demonstrating our faith that He’s got it and we are getting our minds off our worries.

We need to do this repeatedly. Our worries will boomerang right back. Breathe a prayer and busy ourselves once more in another task. In time it gets better. This is more than a coping strategy. We are giving it up to an all-powerful God.

I enjoy Peter’s use of the word “casting”. He was a fisherman and understands it. I can picture someone hurling a net into the sea. It’s a strong, deliberate motion. After a while muscle memory makes it more natural. So also we are to practice casting our cares on Him as described in the earlier passage. Don’t do it in a half hearted fashion. Confidently toss it. Don’t real it back in. Keep it in His hands.

Lord, thank You that You want to bear the burden of our cares. Thank You for the peace You give.