1 Peter 5:7 Cast
all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (NIV)
The Greek word for anxiety
is ‘merimna’ which means to be distracted, divided, to fall
apart, or be split into pieces. It is a good description of something that we
all experience when life hits us hard. One day everything seems to be going
well; the very next day everything is blown apart and we’re left picking up or
worrying over the pieces. Sometimes it happens to our family and friends –
health issues, work problems, relationship struggles – and we don’t know what
to say or do. We worry because we feel powerless and this, in turn, isolates us from the help we need. Anxiety takes over and our future dreams are fragmented.
According to the Apostle
Peter, the remedy for anxiety is God’s great care and compassion. The Greek
word is ‘melei’ which means to be fully concerned, deeply solicitous,
and totally involved. In other words, when we feel anxious, God cares about the
worries we have and seeks to help us through them. This is why Jesus also
invited us to come to Him when we are weary, burdened, and at the end of our
tether – He is willing to provide us with comfort, rest, and strength (see
Matthew 11:28-30)
Application: Are you
anxious about something or someone in your life? Let God’s loving care help and
embrace you at this time.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You
know the things that heighten our anxiety and the current worries that burden
us. Be near to us today and allow us to feel Your loving presence in our hearts,
minds, and homes. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for
worship each Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊
Today’s image is one of
John’s lectionary drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please
click this link: Come.
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