1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
Ok, I think for this one we’re going to break down this verse by definitions of the words.
Cast
The definition for cast was so long, we’re just going to look at the first definition as it’s the one that pertains to this verse.
Definition of CAST
transitive verb
1a : to cause to move or send forth by throwing <cast a fishing lure> <cast dice>
c (1) : to put forth <the fire casts a warm glow> <cast light on the subject> (2) : to place as if by throwing <cast doubt on their reliability>
d : to deposit (a ballot) formally
e (1) : to throw off or away <the horse cast a shoe> (2) : to get rid of : discard <cast off all restraint> (3) : shed, molt(4) : to bring forth; especially : to give birth to prematurely
f : to throw to the ground especially in wrestling
g : to build by throwing up earth
I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word cast, I think of fishing (not because I fish, I don’t really). Imagine yourself grabbing hold of all your anxiety and pulling back with your anxieties over your shoulder. Then with a strong thrust you throw off your anxieties. You cast them off like a fisherman casts his line. Or maybe you cast it like I picture Samson, holding a big boulder over your head (trying to be as strong as Samson) and then you throw it as hard as you can (maybe aimed at the devil). Or maybe even shot putting it as far away from you as you can. Imagine it. Really Imagine it. For me just thinking about it relieves some of the anxiety.
Anxiety
Definition of ANXIETY
1a : painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill
b : fearful concern or interest
c : a cause of anxiety
2: an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it
When we’re anxious, often it feels like no one has ever felt the way we felt. Especially if we have major anxiety that has all the physical manifestations along with it. No one seems to understand. No one knows how you feel. And here on earth that might be true, but Jesus understands. In Mark 14, He shows us that He understands, ” And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” He was so upset He could die. He understands. I love that the scriptures has the word anxiety in it, because it shows us that God is aware of our plight. He understands what’s going on in our lives, hearts and minds. He wants to address it with you.
On Him
Remember when I said to imagine yourself casting off all your anxiety? Do it again and imagine casting it off to the One who can actually take care of it. Right now I’m picturing myself casting off my anxiety, sins and frustrations to God who happens to have a box like the Ghostbusters used to capture ghosts. I cast them off to Him. He’s safely collecting them from me so that He can dispose of them properly.
Because He cares for you
Definition of CARE
1: suffering of mind : grief
2a : a disquieted state of mixed uncertainty, apprehension, and responsibility
b : a cause for such anxiety
3a : painstaking or watchful attention
4: regard coming from desire or esteem
5: charge, supervision <under a doctor’s care>
6: a person or thing that is an object of attention, anxiety, or solicitude
Ok, to be honest, this definition just blew my mind. Maybe I’m the only one, but I didn’t know the strong correlation between anxiety and care. I think this definition makes this verse so much more powerful. Read through that definition again. He thinks about you. He mourns your losses. He feels your pain. He is watching over you with painstaking attention. He keeps you going and working properly. He regards you. He is in charge of you and supervising you. You are the object of His attention. This concept brings tears to my eyes. I see myself coming to Jesus, crying because I feel like things are out of control. Like a good father He holds me and says, I’ll take care of it. If you’re a parent, maybe you can relate. If you child comes to you, practically falling to your feet because they are so overwhelmed, you too would do whatever you could (and God can do anything) do for your child. You want to make things better. God wants to make things better for you. Trust Him, He can do this for you.
Who cares for you?
God is... 