We have discovered this week in our Bible Study together that our thoughts directly impact our words and actions, for better or worse. Some of the thoughts we have are from the enemy and are entirely ungodly. These types of thoughts from the enemy hold us back from growing in our faith and forming healthy, God-honoring habits. Of all of these intrusive thoughts that we have, perhaps the most detrimental to our growth is worry. Worry keeps us from growing and taking the steps in our faith that God calls us to. There is a better way than holding on to our worries, Scripture teaches, and that is giving our worries straight to God.
Peter, one of Jesus' disciples who experienced the joys and sorrows that life brings, encouraged readers to let go of their worries in the book of 1 Peter. In this passage of Scripture, he wrote, "Give all your worries and cares to God" (verse 7). Notice that Peter did not say to give "some" of our worries and cares to God. He said to give "all" of our worries and cares to God. That means that no worry or care can not be brought to God. God invites us to take every single worry and care that we have to Him. Not only does Peter command us to bring all of our worries and cares to God, but he also tells us why we must bring our worries and cares to God. You can bring all of your concerns, big and small, to God because “He cares about you.” How remarkable that the God of the universe who created the world and everything in it cares about you! Because He cares about you, He invites you to come to Him with all of your fears, worries, doubts, and concerns. Even more, because He cares about you, He will respond to your worries and concerns according to His plan and will, like any good, loving father.
Are you burdened by your worries and concerns today? You do not have to face them alone. In fact, they are too large for you to carry on your own. Bring them to God today. After all, He is your perfect, loving, and good Heavenly Father who cares for you.
Take a few moments to pray now. Bring your worries, cares, and concerns to God. Ask Him to work in the midst of your worries and to bring you peace as you walk through the circumstances that you are worried about. Ask Him to help you let go of these worries and trust Him to carry them for you. He is your Heavenly Father who will take care of you.
1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
