Relief | June 12th

 “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

  1 Peter 5:7

  One of my greatest enjoyments growing up and to this day is fishing. I enjoyed the solitude of a stream alone in the woods or the open space on a lake or pond with friends. Those early years seemed much simpler. One thing we would do as kids is see who could cast our line the furthest. We would throw our line over and over again to see how far we could throw our bait into the water.

  Beloved, I believe we often envision a similar image when we encounter scripture encouraging us to cast our burdens on the Lord. We may focus on our own ability to lay our cares at God's feet, only to feel discouraged when we take them up again. However, our burdens are not lifted by the strength of our efforts or the distance we cast them, but rather by the depth of God's care for us.

  Casting our cares is not merely an act of bringing something to God, but a practice of remembering who He is and that He loves us. When we pray and reflect on God's lovingkindness, His faithfulness, and His providential work in our lives, our burdens are lifted. It is through knowing and having fellowship with the Lord that the trials and burdens of life are eased. His peace is present amid the storm, and in Him we find rest as we lean upon the Lord.

  Because God cares for you, you do not have to be anxious for anything.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight