The devil will use temptations and troubles to worry and weaken us, but God can use them to strengthen us (see 1 Peter 5:10-12). When problems cause us to worry, the prescription is prayer. 1 Peter chapter 5 speaks of God as the Mighty Warrior-King and as Merciful Lord and Shepherd. As Warrior-King, we are to think of His mighty hand and know He will lift us up (5:6). He will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us (vs. 10). Our Warrior-King has power and dominion forever (vs. 10).
This Mighty Warrior King also is Merciful Lord and Shepherd. He cares for us (5:7), gives us unbelievable grace (5:10) and makes us “more than conquerors” through Jesus (Romans 8:31-39). Noting the context, consider 4 observations from 1 Peter 5:7 when we are prone to worry.
There’s An Action – “Casting.” What a vivid expression! The same term is used in Luke 19:35 when the followers of Jesus threw their cloaks on the back of the colt for Jesus to ride on in the Triumphant Entry. We should give our problems and worries to the One Who is always on top of things. What a relief it is to be able to trust in God! The idea in this expression is that “whatever comes, I cast on You God.” Being humbled by the great WarriorKing and Merciful Lord and Shepherd, so cast your cares on Him in trust.
There’s An Extent – “All.” The are no limits to what is included. “All” can be brought to Him. The big and the small, the material and the spiritual, the general and the particular – “all” can be brought before our God (cf. Matthew 7:7-11; Hebrews 4:16).
There’s A Burden – “Cares” or “Anxieties.” Luke 8:14 refers to being “choked” by the “cares, riches and pleasures” of life. In 2 Corinthians 11:28, Paul refers to the “daily pressure of the care” he has for all the churches. Whether the burden is healthy or unhealthy, there needs to be a weight transfer! The Mighty Warrior-King and Merciful Lord and Shepherd is far more qualified than we are to deal with matters. Even if we must carry the burden (Galatians 6:2, 5), we can deal with it in the knowledge that God will carry us (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3).
There’s A Reason – “For He Cares For You.” These 5 words are earth shattering! How powerful is the One Who cares for us! The One Who created and upholds the universe cares for you. Why worry then? How sympathetic He is – He “cares.” His compassionate care is constant; He never is negligent or lacking. God’s care is personal. He cares “for you.” Worry subsides when God is counted upon. Satan may be a lion (1 Peter 5:8-9). But he is NO match for our Mighty Warrior-King and Merciful Lord and Shepherd.
-Mike Vestal
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