Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
In the midst of difficulties and hardship, we often respond in one of three ways. We will either turn inward, keeping our fears and concerns to ourselves, turn to others, hoping they will help or provide encouragement, or turn to God. Of course, only one of those responses can provide the peace and help that each one of us is looking for, and that is turning to God in prayer. Instead of keeping our cares and concerns to ourselves or turning to other people for help and encouragement, Scripture encourages us to turn to God first. He alone can provide the help and encouragement we need.
We learn in Nehemiah chapter 4 that when Nehemiah was overcome by the opposition that he and the rest of the Jewish people faced, particularly the ridicule of their enemies, he prayed. He turned to God and said, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land. Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders" (verse 5). In a time of distress, Nehemiah turned to God, knowing that he was not alone in his task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Because he knew God was with him, he prayed. His prayer was raw and honest. He shared his worries and concerns with God. Then, he continued working.
As we are in the middle of acting on our divine burdens, we need to follow Nehemiah’s example and pray. We need to turn to God, tell Him about our worries and concerns, and ask Him for help. We need to remember that He is with us and He wants to hear from us. He tells us to come to Him in prayer. Peter said it this way in 1st Peter 5, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (verse 7). For a moment, marvel in the amazing truth that the God of the universe cares about us and invites us to turn to Him in prayer. He cares when we are happy, sad, fearful, joyful, and everything in between. Will you bring your worries and concerns to Him today? He wants to hear from you today about everything that is on your mind. As it has been said, “If it concerns you, it concerns Him.”
Follow the instructions in 1st Peter 5:7. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” Tell Him what you are happy about, said about, and fearful about. Talk to Him about the obstacles you are facing as you act on the divine burdens He places on your heart. As you do, you will be met by your compassionate God who cares so deeply about you.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray
“God, as I remember your care for me, thank you for…”
1st Peter 5:1-13
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.
©2026 Sagebrush Church
