Denver Seminary

How do we respond when the cares of life seem overwhelming? World problems, national crisis and the cares of daily living can easily trigger worry and anxiety. The Apostle Peter experienced many challenges in following Jesus Christ and recognized that believers often deal with a variety of trials (“…though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” I Peter 1:6).  Submitting to God and His will can include suffering and the anxiety or care which often accompanies it.

In 1 Peter 5:7, Peter tells us how to respond when we are overwhelmed with the cares of life: “Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

First, we acknowledge that we will have anxiety. Anxiety is the uneasiness and apprehension that can range from feelings of mild tension to absolute panic surrounding concern for self and others facing an uncertain future.

Second, we remind ourselves that we have a God who cares for us. Jesus reviews the Father’s care for creation in Matthew 6:25ff and tells us that the Father knows our needs and cares for us deeply.

Third, we respond to the cares of life by casting them on God. The word translated cast is used of the disciples throwing their cloaks on the back of the donkey that Jesus would ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

What a beautiful picture of us responding to the cares of life by placing our anxiety and worries in God’s arms and letting them stay there!