CASTING YOUR CARES UPON THE LORD
Study Text: 1 Peter 5: 6 - 8
Introduction:
- These verses do not promise that God will fix or remove all our concerns all the times . Instead, they give us assurance in knowing that He cares for us, which is why we can cast our cares on Him.
- God is trustworthy to handle our cares in the best way. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We should trust that God is able and willing to deal with our cares.
- Many times we carry burdens that are too heavy for us, and they hinder us from living joyful lives. The worries we have concerning our lives and the uncertainty we face can deprive us of the peace we are supposed to enjoy in Him.
- The good news is that God is ready to help us with the cares, worries, and anxieties that we may have. God wants us to give to Him the things that make us anxious because He has the ability to deal with them.
- We are limited in our ability to handle situations that are out of our control. Even though most of the times we think we do, but we actually do not.
- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:
1. The Possible Cares
2. The Promised Cure
3. The Practical Cases
1. The Possible Cares
- There is a lot to be concerned about in this life: Making a living, maintaining a marriage, raising children, getting along with coworkers and neighbours, car and house repairs, health concerns, preparing for retirement, church ministries, interpersonal discord, the latest negative news, and so on.
- But the cares of this life can have a detrimental impact in our lives in unexpected ways. In an increasingly insecure world, people are living in tension and anxiety. Horrific scenes of death and destruction can be seen and heard of every day.
- However, in such troubled times, the child of God can be rest assured that our future is always secure in God’s hands.
- Now, we know that life cannot be lived free from all sense of anxiety and concern: For example, being concerned about having an automobile accident and disaster will cause us to practice rules of safety. Concern over becoming ill will cause us to practice rules of good health.
- However, we must not allow these concerns to control our lives and keep us in the bondage of fear, but rather to trust God and hand over every situation to Him in prayer.
- There are different kinds of cares and worries in our lives:
1. Cares and worries about things that have already happened:
- There are certain things that happened to us in the past, that has become a burden today and is constituting a stumbling block on our path to a glorious tomorrow.
- Past deeds cannot be undone, or past words unsaid. If the past involves sin, obey the conditions to receive forgiveness and God will abundantly forgive. Isaiah 55:6-7
- Paul encouraged us to always put the past behind us and trust God by pressing on for something better in the future. Philippians 3:12-15
2. Cares and worries over things that will inevitably happen:
- There are certain things that must happen in the course of time. Rather than allowing them to keep us in the bondage of fear, we should rather prepare for them, depending on the grace and wisdom of God.
- For example, a pregnant woman must have a due date for delivery. A yearly rent must expired at the due date. Growing old must happen if one is still alive, and death will come at an appointed time known by God. Hebrews 9:27
3. Cares and worries about things that will never happen:
- Some people have worried over a great many things in life, the most of which never happened. Surveys have shown that most of the things we worry about never happen.
- Some people are experts in imagining evil things either against themselves or against others, and these keep them in bondage of fear all through life, and most of these imaginations will never come to pass.
- For example, when they kept the Ark of Covenant in the house of Obededom, the expectation is that the Ark will kill him, but rather, the Ark was blessing him.
4. Cares and worries about things that may likely happen:
- Some things are likely to happen, either by times and chances of life, or by close observation of unfolding events.
- Even in such situations, we should trust God for His words and promises, that His thoughts towards us are thoughts of peace and not of evil, and that He can make all things to work out for our good. Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28.
5. Cares and worries over our expectations that are yet to manifest:
- In life, we all have various expectations of certain blessings at different stages of our lives, either for us personally or for our loved ones.
- Sometimes, some of these expectations take too long to manifest or be achieved in our lives, and this put us in sad moments and anxious situation.
- As we put our trust and hope in God, we will learn that God will not withhold any good things from us, and that these good things come at His own times and not ours.
2. The Promised Cure
- Have you ever felt that no one really understood you, or really cared? Have you ever felt all alone in your sorrow?
- It is interesting how that Satan begins to play his games in our minds. He seeks to make us feel that no one has ever suffered as much as we. That we are all alone, in our fight for righteousness. Like Elijah, we often feel that: "I only I am left, and they are seeking my life".
- Though all may fail and forsake you, God has promised never to leave you or forsake you. He cares for you more than you can ever realize.
- God spoke to the captives in Babylon who felt that they had been deserted by God. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29: 11-13
- Jesus was constantly telling the disciples of the Father's care for them. He told them that they did not have to worry about things.
- If Satan should ever cause you to question or doubt the care that God has for you, just look at the cross. There God showed you just how much He cares.
- Paul said, "If God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how much more shall He not freely give us all things?
- If you are always feeling under pressure and strain because of the things you are experiencing in life, and for the things that you will be facing tomorrow, always remember the word of God: "Cast all of your cares upon Him, for He careth for you."
- The Bible is full of wisdom and practical ways that we can cast our cares on the Lord. Let us look at some of them:
1. Be in Control of your Thoughts
- We get anxious because of the thoughts we allow and entertain in our minds, which can make us pessimistic, fearful, and doubtful.
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This means that you can make your thoughts align with the gospel of Jesus Christ and His commands.
2. Be Committed to Effectual and Fervent Prayers
- Whenever you feel that you are overcome with the cares of what you are going through, take them to God, and tell Him to help you have peace about your situation. Philippians 4:6-7
- Prayer invites God to bring His will into the situation you are dealing with, and to provide you with a solution. When we say prayers of faith, we can move the mountains that are staring us in the face every day.
3. Receive the Comfort of His Words
- To avoid getting depressed because of the things that are causing you anxiety, listen to positive messages and inspirational songs that can uplift your spirit.
- You can listen to sermons or teachings that fill you with the joy of the Lord or talk to faithful Christian friends who are ready to encourage you with the words of God.
- Negative words will make you more anxious and leave you feeling discouraged. Avoid those who have nothing good to say about your situation because they will leave you feeling down and defeated.
4. Receive Lights from the Scriptures
- Whenever your cares seem to overwhelm you, turn to the Word of God for encouragement. God speaks to us through His Word, and shows us His will for our situations.
- The Bible has incredible stories that can encourage us and help us keep moving forward even when our strength is failing us. Psalm 119:28
5. Receive Wisdom for the Right Steps
- Divine wisdom helps us see things from God’s perspective and to know the right steps to take. Many times we worry about things because we lack the wisdom to deal with them. James 1:5
- Pray for the wisdom you need to understand and deal with your situation. Remember our human wisdom is limited in understanding the spiritual side of our situations, and God’s wisdom will enlighten us and open our eyes to His truth.
6. Be Calm, and Overcome Worries and Fears
- Worrying will only upset you and distract you from where and what God has for you. When our minds are troubled with what is going on around us, we are unsettled and we are unable to live in the present moment.
- Jesus asked us an important question relating to worry: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)
- We waste days of our lives when our mind is filled with cares that should be in the Lord’s hands. Every time a worrying thought comes to mind, replace it with one of the promises God has given you in His Word. You may not have all the answers about your situation, but you can trust that God does, and He is faithful to help you.
3. The Practical Cases
- There are several cases of people who cast their cares and worries upon the Lord in the scriptures, and they were not disappointed, but received divine help and intervention in their situations.
1. Hannah the mother of Samuel: 1 Samuel 1: 10-20
- In that culture, she shared her husband with another woman. The other wife was able to bear many children and was continually mocking Hannah over her barrenness.
- The heavy care was more than she could bare, and she found herself often weeping and unable to eat.
- We read that as they were in Shiloh worshipping the Lord she was in bitterness of soul and weeping as she was praying.
When she cast them upon the Lord she received the assurance that God would grant her petition, and she ate and began to rejoice.
2. Jehoshaphat the King: 2 Chronicles 20:1-17
- He received a sudden news that group of warriors are on their way against his kingdom. He was greatly afraid and worried about what to do and how to go about it.
- In his fear and worries, he turned to God in prayers and told God he had no solution, and God should take absolute control and help them.
- The Lord asked him to step aside, and gave instructions, which they obeyed faithfully. They experienced a supernatural victory over the enemy as the Lord promised them.
3. King Darius Concerning Daniel: Daniel 6:16-28
- King Darius, though, an unbeliever, had a great love for Daniel, and was challenged by the commitment and faithfulness of Daniel to the Living God.
- When he was deceived to sign a decree that led to throwing Daniel into the lions' den, though he had to painfully approve the order, he was greatly disturbed on what could happen to Daniel.
- He humbled himself and fasted throughout the night believing that the God of Daniel should supernaturally preserve him from the attack of lions.
- He went out early in the morning to know what had happened. He was glad to see that God saved Daniel from the lions. He did not only believed God, but made a decree for all to worship Him.
4. The Apostles of Jesus: Acts 4:23-31
- The Apostles of Jesus were greatly disturbed when they were beaten and stoned, with a warning by the elders of the land not to preach in the name of Jesus again.
- They reported the case to their group, and they handed over the situation to God in prayer.
- The Lord honoured them with His presence and empowered them to preach the Gospel the more, with greater exploits than before.
5. The Church Concerning Peter: Acts 12:1-11
- The Church of God was greatly disturbed when king Herod killed James, and locked up Peter in the prison, to be killed at an appointed date.
- In their fears and worries, they prayed fervently to the Lord to deliver Peter, and to save the Church from her predicament at that moment.
- God intervened by sending His angel to deliver Peter in the prison, a miracle that delivered the entire Church from the oppression of the king.
6. The Women at the Tomb of Jesus: Mark16:1-4
- The women had a good heart to visit the tomb of Jesus, but were troubled and worried because they knew a great stone was at the entrance, and they know not how to move it.
- The Bible says when they looked, they saw that the stone has been rolled away. As we take a step of faith, not minding the great stones on our way, God can move the stones for our free access.
Conclusion:
- These truths about God should give us great comfort, great hope and great strength.
- His word says we should cast all our cares upon Him, because He greatly care for us. When we do, then He will restore us, support us, strengthen us and encourage us.
- In times of discouragement, He will encourage us. In times of weakness, He will give us strength. When we fall down, He will support us and pick us back up. When we suffer, He will restore us. When we are tempted, He will strengthen us. When we fail, He will forgive us.
- Remember that God cares for us. We can cast our cares on God. We can stand strong in the faith. And we can do all of these things because we know that God is on our side in Christ Jesus.
