“WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD”

October 30, 2024

“HOW TO HANDLE OUR ANXIETY”

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He Cares for You.”

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

We have always lived in an anxiety-ridden world. However, today it appears to be so much more overwhelmimg than it has been in the past socially, religiously and especially politically. When worry weighs on our hearts, we often try to solve every problem ourselves or control the uncontrollable. If we were to take time to listen to what God has to say, we would realize that He has pffered us a different approach. It’s one that brings peace instead of stress and trust instead of fear.

Our verse for today states it plain and simple. “Cast all of your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” In this passage Peter encourages believers to release their burdens, worries and fears into God’s hands. To “cast” means to deliberately act, making the choice to let go. Rather than carrying our anxieties alone, we are invited to bring them to God and trust Him with the things that weigh us down.

The reason for casting is simple and profound at the same time. God cares for us; this means He is not distant or conditional, but attentive and personal. He is absolutely involved in every part of our lives. When we acknowledge that God is both willing and able to help, we will find peace in His loving care.

In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Who of us is not seeking peace in the midst of our storms, when our minds are troubled. So, when we approach God with our anxieties and thank Him for his goodness, He promises us peace, a deep abiding peace, not based on our circumstances, but on his presence. This kind of peace guards us, like a shield around our hearts and minds, steadying us even when life feels uncertain.

Here are some steps we can take to help us release our worries into God’s hands:

1. PRAY FIRST: whenever worry surfaces, go to God in prayer. Tell Him specifically what concerns you. Just like sharing with a friend.
2. MEDITATE ON GOD’S PROMISES: Focus on God’s promises, provisions, strength and His faithfulness. Look at Philippians 4:19. God has promised to provide all of what we need according to his riches in glory.
3. PRACTICE THANKFULNESS:Being thankful redirects our minds from what we lack, to what God has already done. Reflect on his past faithfulness as evidence of his ongoing care. This helps us to trust in Him rather than fear what man can do.
4. TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME: Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Do not carry the weight of the unknown future, just focus on trusting God one day at a time.

So, today let us practice releasing our anxieties into God’s most capable hands, and find rest in his unchanging loving care. Amen.

Pastor Andrea ( Rev. Andie)