We were reminded in the weekend sermon that there are many false misconceptions and perceptions of who God is. Some falsely view God like Santa Claus or a vending machine, thinking that God will give them whatever they want when they want it. Others falsely view God as a police officer, as if He is just waiting for us to mess up so that He can punish us. Some mistakenly view God as difficult to please, believing that they must work to earn God's approval. The truth is, God is not one of those misconceptions. Scripture teaches us that God is a God who cares about us and is intimately involved in our daily lives. This truth about God makes all the difference when we approach Him in prayer.
Peter, the writer of 1st Peter, reminds us of God’s care and concern for us in 1 Peter 5. In this passage of Scripture, He calls readers to humble themselves before God (verse 6). One way that we can follow this instruction and humble ourselves before God is by bringing all of our concerns to God instead of trying to carry them on our own. That is why Peter continues writing in this passage of Scripture by saying, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (verse 7). This teaching from Peter includes an instruction and a promise. The instruction is, “Give all of your worries and cares to God.” This call is clear and straightforward. Notice the word “all” in this passage of Scripture. It means that we are to give every single one of our cares and concerns to God. There is not one fear, worry, doubt, or concern that we should not bring to God. Why are we to do this? The promise we are given in this Scripture is that God cares for us. Because He cares about us, we can bring our cares and concerns to Him. What an incredible promise that we have to claim. The God of the universe cares about each one of us.
My friend, God cares about you. He cares about what you are worried about. He cares about what brings you joy. What is important to you is important to Him. When you pray, you are talking to the God who cares about you and all of the details that are important to you, both big and small. Keep this truth in mind every time you set out to pray.
Write out the words of 1st Peter 5:7 three times in your notebook or journal. As you write, reflect on the truth of the words you are writing. Reflect on the truth that you have a God who cares deeply for you and wants to be involved in your life. What an amazing God that we serve.
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.
