1 Peter 5:7

New International Version (NIV)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

For Encouragement

In yesterday’s message, we talked about turmoil and upheavals everywhere. Today, I want us to consider a short scripture in 1 Peter 5:7.

God calls you to cast your cares and burden on Him because He cares for you. That means getting rid of anything that hurts and weighs you down. I remember my sister when we were young and returning from the farm. She would cry under a load of foodstuffs she carried until she could throw the overloaded basket into the bush.

A burden is a load you carry. It gets heavy when it is piled too high for a  journey, especially when it is long. God knows that the cares and troubles of this world have become like that for you. He knows your strength cannot bear it further than you’ve come.

God knows how wearisome your burdens have become. They have transformed you, His child, into someone so anxious, unfocused and not thinking right. Even more, your Savior knows that they have drained you of all energy to love and serve and therefore lack strength or enthusiasm for the journey. You are grumpy, and now struggle to share the joy of the Lord with those around you.  

For these reasons, God has made Himself a burden-bearer for you in Christ Jesus (Matt. 11:28). He calls you to throw off your burden and cares upon Him. God does that because He loves and cares for you. He wants to give you relief and again put a smile on your face. Isn’t that wonderful for a burdened person on a sun-scorched day?

In Psalm 55:22, God calls His people to cast their burdens upon Him, and He will sustain them. That adds another dimension to your heavenly blessing  today. God promises to  uphold you when overburdened, enabling you to walk better and swifter  without falling.

Do you have a burden today? Bring it to Jesus, who loves and cares for you and will  enable you to run the race well (Heb 12:1). He holds up the crown of righteousness before you as motivation to run the race to glory with a purpose (2 Tim 4:7-8).

Just imagine how liberated you will be if you let go of all your burdens and cares today and let Jesus carry them for you.