1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you
What do we cast upon Him? The same word, cares (distractions), is used in:
- Matthew 13:22 (Mark 4:19, Luke 8:14) The cares of this world are illustrated by the thorns that choke out the word.
- Luke 21:34 The cares of this life can cause us to be unprepared at Judgment
What are the distractions of life that that choke out the word and leave us unprepared?
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing. Clues in the context for how to make it happen:
3:20 – 21 Remember the future spiritual body (no more physical body; just pure character)
4:1 – 4 Rejoice in the successes of faith (c.f., 4:10 – 18)
4:5 The final proof was soon for them, past for us. Remember the proof.
4:6 Make your requests known with thanksgiving
4:7 Result: peace
4:8 – 9 Focus on good stuff
All other passages with the same word:
- 1 Corinthians 7:32 – 35 Marriage rightly creates anxiety for the fortunes of another. Enter advisedly.
- Luke 10:41 Desiring to serve adequately can create anxiety that interferes with edification. Keep perspective.
- Matthew 6:25 – 34, Luke 12:22 – 59 Be realistic about the anxiety and expectations of life. God provides. Anxiety is the result of expecting more than God knows you need.
- Matthew 10:19, Luke 12:11 (Promise to the Twelve) Don’t be anxious about what to say; God will provide.
Note: The idea, “God helps those who help themselves,” is ambiguous. 2 Peter 1:4 admonishes us to be diligent. But, God helps those who realize that they cannot help themselves.
Things not to cast upon God:
2 Corinthians 11:28 Paul had daily care for all the churches.
Philippians 2:20 Timothy was concerned about the church in Philippi
1 Corinthians 12:25 Members of the body should have concern for one another
1 Corinthians 7:33 – 34 Care for the physical well-being of a spouse is normal.
Some people believe that God will control the outcome of choices they need to make (number of children, jobs, houses, and such like).
How do we dispose of the anxiety that chokes out the word and leave us unprepared?
Prayer
Faith
Will outsiders find your contentment during adversity a remarkable achievement?