Monday, November 23, 2009

Cast All Your Anxiety on Him

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it)." 1 Peter 5:7-11 (Amplified)

The word for "cast" in verse 7 is the same word used in Luke 19:35:"And they brought him to Jesus; and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they sat Jesus thereon." It's the same word used in Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." The word means " to cast away, throw down, throw out; is used of throwing an object." (The Key Word Study Bible)

Since learning about this word, I've been picturing myself holding a huge fishing net with all my worries and anxieties attached to it and then throwing it out to Jesus. I don't have to watch and see if He catches it. I just fling it out there. I know that I can trust Him to take care of it all.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary had this to say, "All a believer's anxieties can be cast...on Him. Christ sustains because He cares. A Christian's confidence rests in the fact that Christ is genuinely concerned for his welfare."

"He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." Jesus' love for us is full of affection. And the Lord is always watching. We are never alone.