Are we handing over our anxieties to Christ?
The apostle Peter sent a letter (1 Peter) to the scattered church in Asia Minor (present day Turkey), encouraging Christians who were suffering rejection in the world because of their obedience to Christ. He reminded them that they have a Heavenly inheritance.
In that letter Peter says “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you,” (1 Peter 5:7). How are your stress levels going at this busy time of year? Most people I talk to are feeling the pressure. Employers want tasks completed before Dec 24; finances are feeling stretched; student exams take their toll, there’s just too much to think about.
That said, followers of Jesus Christ have something very special and powerful…. the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our primary counsellor, whispering in our ear, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
In this busy season sometimes the first thing we decide to lay aside is our quiet time with God. “He will understand. After all it’s not about works,” we may say to ourselves. You’re right, it’s not about “works” but when we stop, and read our Bible, pray, and meditate on our Lord, He restores our peace, reminding us that we are not machines with a capacity to just keep churning out work. We are human beings, designed to be living in full relationship with our restorative God.
So this week, remember who you are. You are not first an “unemployed,” or “employee” a “mum” or “dad,” or “student”. You are a son or daughter of your Living God.
So this week, cast ALL your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.