Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Anxiety

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7

   The above verse is a very popular and often quoted verse. But, how does one actually do that? Not long ago I was discussing this verse with someone. In that conversation they flat out admitted that they had no idea how to apply it, or how it is supposed to work in a practical sense. I didn't have an answer for him either. 

  Well in my routine reading I came across this very verse, and noticed something about the context that I hadn't before. Which I might not have if not for that earlier conversation. This verse is actually part of a larger passage on the subject of humility. Take a moment to contemplate that.

   Casting our anxiety upon God actually requires humility on our part. Which brings up the question, have you been treating it that way in application? Or are you just pleading with God to take your anxiety away without having to humble yourself, or admit to anything. The very fact that a believer is experiencing anxiety, might very well be a sign that they are taking part in a less than Christ like attitude in some way. Like giving into fear, not truly trusting in God's provision or council, confusing your preferences for principle, not correcting in a loving manner, or basing your happiness on human approval rather than being God's heir. These are all things that need to be repented of, and apparently repentance requires having enough humility to address misguided behaviors and willful sins honestly. 

   While this one detail may not be all there is to know about 1 Peter 5:7, but it is a start that needs to taken into consideration.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. -Romans 12:3

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. -James 4:10


A person finding himself in God's presence through his humility.
click to enlarge


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