Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7
Bumper stickers on cars do not seem quite as popular as they once were. You may remember some of them: “I was calm 3 cars ago,” “Save the whales,” or “Every day is Taco Tuesday.” There were faith-based bumper stickers as well, such as “WWJD,” “Keep God First,” and “Let Go and Let God.” The encouraging words of the apostle Peter in today’s verse would surely support a “Let Go and Let God” on his vehicle, had he had one.
The Christians of the first-century church had reason to be anxious. Well-organized Jewish communities were hostile to the Gospel (Acts 13:45, 14:2). Rome under Vespasian and his son Titus wanted to rid the world of all religions that did not worship the Greco-Roman gods. Dr. Bruce Shelley, a Christian historian who wrote of the early church, said that Christians were often blamed for natural disasters. Persecutions of Christians at the hands of Emperor Nero are well documented. Shelley wrote, “Many Christians were even crucified. Some were sewn up in the skins of wild beasts; then big dogs were let loose upon them, and they were torn to pieces. … After nightfall Christians were burned at the stake in Nero’s garden.” Peter himself was crucified upside down by Nero. Believers certainly had cause for anxiety.
Followers of Christ face persecution around the world, while Christians in America are targeted in the cultural war in society today. Whatever the degree may be, God does not want Christ’s followers to be “victims.” Rather, He directs you to be a conqueror who casts your anxieties on Him (Romans 8:37), “Letting go and letting God.” Be confident in the Lord and His care for you. Pray for religious freedom to be upheld in the United States by state and federal officials, legislators, judges, and justices.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 3:8-17
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
