If there ever was a time to develop the habit of “casting our cares” upon the Lord it is now!! With prophecies being fulfilled at a breakneck speed, the world scene is being set up for the Anti-Christ. God is warning His people to prepare, prepare, prepare!!
As Christians we are to trust the Lord. We are not to worry and be weighted down with the cares of this world. How then do we cope mentally and spiritually while Revelation events are unfolding all around us? What is the secret to obtaining peace in the midst of the storm while others are fretting?
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, taught about getting rid of our worries by “casting our cares.” Peter was a fisherman and he used the fishing illustration to give us a mental picture of truly letting go of our worries, fears and mental torment. In Bible days and even today commercial fishermen cast their nets into the water to catch a load of fish. As you meditate on I Peter 5:7, incorporate this fishing practice during your prayer time with the Lord.
I Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”
A present day application of “casting your cares” is to picture yourself holding a fishing pole standing on the seashore (or in a boat if you prefer!). See yourself placing your cares on the fishing hook one by one. Take time in the Lord’s presence and talk with Him about your concerns and the areas that you need peace. The Lord desires that we lean upon Him and trust Him with our whole being. God is able to handle our problems much better than we can – Amen? Amen!!
Now take that fishing pole bent down with all your fears and worries, lift it up high and then thrust it — hook, line and sinker into the water! What will you reel in? As you release each care and truly let God have them, you will sense His peace in return, the peace that passes understanding.
What a catch! What an exchange! Your troubles for His peace! Incorporate this habit of “casting” when fearful thoughts first emerge. And when anxiety attempts to return, remind yourself that you have surrendered your concerns to the Lord. Leave them there. Offset worrisome thoughts with God’s promises of peace, guidance and provision. Study God’s Word so you can “replace” the negative mindset with scriptures encouraging you to trust the Lord. The Bible is full of God’s assuring love and ability to care for His people. Following are just a few:
Psalm 46:1 – “The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 5:11 – “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them…”
Isaiah 54:17—“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
1 John 4:4—“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Nehemiah 8:10—“Then he said to them, …. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Psalm 119:165–Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Matthew 11:28–Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:7– And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
