Let’s explore what should be a very encouraging passage of Scripture:
1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares for you.” Another translation presents verse 7 like this – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you.”
A. Peter talks about the possibility of pride entering our hearts and infecting our lives and ministry. Have you ever been too proud to ask anyone for help – even God? It is so easy to develop, “I can do this by myself” attitude or mentality. In John 15:4, Jesus said,” Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.”
· Are you too proud to admit you need God’s help?
· The key to receiving God’s help is, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God.”
What does it mean to humble ourselves – several things are involved: it will mean yielding to God’s wisdom. It will mean accepting the twists and turns of His providence as we entrust ourselves and all of our concerns to Him.
It also means that we will do all things for the glory of God.
1 Cor. 10:31 – “Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.” Folks, always remember, “God cares for us.” Let that truth sink in. Reflect on it.
B. When we live humbly before God, we have the privilege of bringing all of our cares and concerns to the LORD.
The Greek word for “casting upon” is EPIRIPTO. It is only used in one other place in the New Testament – that is when the disciples cast their garments on the back of the colt to make an impromptu saddle for Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem – (Luke 19:35). It was a spontaneous act that came from their hearts. Peter remembered that occasion well and now he says that we should be the same way with our cares and concerns – “cast them on Christ.”
The usual Greek word for “Care” is MERIMNA, and it means anxiety, anxieties, or concerns. So, what is the incentive for us to spontaneously cast all of our cares/concerns on Christ – HE CARES FOR US! The Greek word that is used here for “Cast” is MELWI. It speaks of the kind of care or concern that comes from a personal interest in someone. It is care that results from forethought.
Conclusion:
Here is the clincher – we may have many cares or concerns, but God has only one – you, me, – us. The word used for CARE – MERIMNA, is plural, we can cast anything and everything on Christ.
The word used for CAST – MELEI, is in the singular. When God focuses on you and me, He doesn’t treat us as a part of a group. He sees you. He sees me, and He cares for us individually.
Do not let pride rule and ruin your life. Humble yourself and acknowledge that you need God’s help. Be totally transparent about your concerns and then wait to see how God responds to your concerns.
He really cares for you.
In His magnificent name,
Pastor Leonard
