Casting Your Anxieties: A Christian Solution to Worry | XtianHub

Don't Worry, Be Casting

Do you ever find yourself worrying about the future? Do you wonder if you will have enough money, if your health will hold up, or if your loved ones will be safe? If so, you are not alone. Worry is a common human experience. But as Christians, we have access to a powerful antidote to worry that can change our lives. It is found in 1 Peter 5:6–7.

Humble Yourself

In this passage, Peter writes, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (ESV). At first glance, the two commands in this verse may seem unrelated. But upon closer examination, we see that they are intimately connected.

The command to humble ourselves is a call to recognize our dependence on God. It is an acknowledgement that we are not in control, that we are weak and vulnerable. When we humble ourselves, we are not putting ourselves down or belittling ourselves. Rather, we are recognizing our need for God and our place in his creation. We are saying, “God, I cannot do this on my own. I need your help.”

When we humble ourselves, we are positioning ourselves to receive God’s grace. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” When we are humble, we open ourselves up to the abundant blessings that God wants to pour out on us.

Cast Your Anxieties on Him

The second command in 1 Peter 5:7 is to “cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” This is a powerful image. The word “cast” means to throw or to fling. It is not a passive action. It requires effort and intentionality.

When we cast our anxieties on God, we are entrusting them to him. We are saying, “God, I cannot handle this on my own. I need you to take it from me.” This is an act of faith. It requires us to believe that God is able and willing to take our burdens and carry them for us.

But why should we cast our anxieties on God? Peter gives us the reason: “because he cares for you.” God cares deeply about us. He is not indifferent to our struggles and our fears. He is not distant or aloof. He is a loving Father who wants to comfort us and give us peace.

Practical Steps to Cast Your Anxieties

So how can we put these commands into practice? Here are some practical steps to help you cast your anxieties on God:

1. Pray

Prayer is the most powerful way to cast your anxieties on God. When you pray, you are communicating with the Creator of the universe. You are bringing your concerns to him and asking for his help. Pray specifically and honestly. Tell God exactly what is on your heart and mind. Don’t hold back. He can handle it.

2. Meditate on Scripture

The Bible is full of promises and reassurances that can help calm our fears. Meditate on passages like Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10, and Philippians 4:6–7. Write them down and keep them with you. Repeat them to yourself when you start to feel anxious.

3. Seek Wise Counsel

God often uses other people to speak truth and wisdom into our lives. Seek out a trusted friend or mentor who can help you process your fears and offer encouragement. Don’t try to go it alone.

4. Take Action

Sometimes the best way to deal with anxiety is to take action. If you are worried about your finances, create a budget and start saving. If you are anxious about your health, make an appointment with your doctor. Taking practical steps can help alleviate some of the worry and give you a sense of control.

Conclusion

The command to cast our anxieties on God is not a one-time event. It is a daily practice. We will never completely rid ourselves of worry in this life, but we can learn to rely more and more on God’s strength and grace. As we humble ourselves and entrust our fears to him, we will experience a peace that surpasses understanding. So don’t worry, be casting.

References

• 1 Peter 5:6–7


• James 4:6


• Psalm 23


• Isaiah 41:10


• Philippians 4:6–7