Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7
May 4, 1451 B.C
Anxiety of two obedient Jews.
Today, the Jewish people not only remember a historical event on the first Passover but also celebrate in a larger sense, their freedom as Jews. The first Passover, according to the Biblical Timeline, occurred on May 4, 1451, B.C.
Story of two Hebrews living in Egypt on May 4, 1451, B.C. Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith.
Anxiety of E, Stanley Jones
- Stanley Jones was the “Billy Graham of India.” In 1938, Time called Jones “the world’s greatest Christian missionary.”
But his work was almost aborted by anxiety.
Upon arriving in India from the United States, worry about the work ahead caused him to collapse several times. He returned home. But he collapsed again on this ship. His doctor ordered him to rest for a year. Upon returning to India, his anxieties resumed. His coworkers feared it would kill him.
In prayer, a voice asked, “Are you ready for this work to which I have called you?” “No, Lord,” replied Jones. “I have reached the end of my resources.”
The Lord answered,
“If you will turn that over to me and not worry about it, I will take care of it.” Jones replied, “Lord, I close the bargain right here.” Peace replaced worry. And Jones spent a lifetime of ministry in India, wrote numerous books, and ministered to multitudes worldwide.
This is what the Lord says to you today.
He does not speak in an audible voice.
He speaks through sacred scripture. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you. Will you close the bargain today?
1 Peter 5:7 is a comforting verse for troubled people.
It assumes we have “anxieties.” The Greek word means care or concern. It can be good or bad, depending on the context. Some cares and concerns are a natural and normal part of the human experience. As followers of Jesus, there are godly concerns that are only right for us to care about. But some cares and concerns are illegitimate. It is sinful to be consumed with divisive, excessive, and perplexing cares. This is the anxiety our text addresses. It is future focused.
- Regret carries yesterday’s burdens.
- Stress carries today’s burdens.
- Worry carries tomorrow’s burdens.
Matthew 6:31 says, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” These are not the questions of the hungry or naked. The disciples had food to eat and clothes to wear. But what about tomorrow? Undue concern about tomorrow’s needs ruins the enjoyment of today’s blessings.
Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
What is it about tomorrow that worries you?
- Is it a health issue?
- Is it family troubles?
- Is it financial needs?
- Is it looming decisions?
- Is it a social problem?
1 Peter 5:7 is the key to a worry-free life:
Give your worries to God.
Say it: Casting all my anxieties on him, because he cares for me. – 1 Peter 5:7
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