Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
Take any child on an outing to the edge of a big lake with pebbles along the shore and they will undoubtedly pick up one of those stones, toss it in the water, and be delighted by the splash. But today imagine it’s just you on that shore. You gaze out over the deep water’s glassy surface. You listen to the stillness. Then you reach for a pebble at your feet and notice it’s labeled stress. You grab another and it says worry. Still another says anxiety. One by one you hurl them into the water, leaving ripples behind as they sink out of sight and far out of reach. They’re not yours to hold any longer. Your next deep breath feels like the quiet lake in front of you.
When the Bible tells us to cast our anxiety on God, it literally means to throw off all of our burdens, fears, and concerns to Him, knowing that in His love for us and faithfulness to us, He will exercise care beyond our greatest efforts. Just like throwing pebbles into the lake, we can cast all that troubles us to God, trusting that every need of ours is secure in His care. When we do, we can take a new breath, filled with the peace that comes from trusting our Savior.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Are you experiencing areas of anxiety or stress? Do you find yourself attempting to give it to God but still holding onto part of it? If so, quiet yourself in His presence. Talk to Him about it. And finally, picture yourself on the shore of that lake, letting go of it once and for all. This time don’t hold back. Trade your pebble for God’s peace.