Giving My Worries and Burdens to God (1 Peter 5)

Evening Scripture

1 Peter, Chapter 5

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Evening Reflection

When I was a high school English teacher, most days were long, dreary, and stress-inducing. Not because I didn’t love the students, I did (and still do), but because I struggled to be present. I was there, but I wasn’t really there. Have you ever been in this place?

Carrying our worries with us long after the day is over is common to most of us. We’re not counting sheep, we’re counting concerns. It’s not that we want to, but we can’t seem to shake them out of our minds. From replaying conversations to stressing about tomorrow, or carrying burdens that we were never meant to bear alone, the verses found in 1 Peter 5 sound so out of reach.

How do we cast all of our anxiety on Him? How do we resist the devil? How do we truly give God our burdens?

What I love about this passage is that no matter what worries have been occupying my mind, God tells us to cast them on Him because He cares for us. Because He loves us. Because He knows we will try to carry them. But He wants to help lighten the load.

It’s a difficult question to ponder, but what burdens have you been trying to carry in your own strength? What are you truly anxious about, and have you given these concerns to God? Are you still holding tightly to what is slowly killing you?

When you think about your life, I want you to know that a changed perspective is possible. God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. Not because He’s mad at us or yelling at us when we do. But because we weren’t created to, nor do we have to carry the weight of our burdens alone. True humility isn’t acting like our worries and fears don’t exist, but recognizing our need for God's help while surrendering control to Him. His strength and care are greater than any worry we face.

This passage reminds us that this side of Heaven, you and I may still be anxious. It’s not natural to give our worries and cares to someone we can’t physically see. But it’s a great opportunity to ask yourself what burdens you’re carrying and how we can choose to faithfully trust even in the face of fear.

As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Where have I been trying to control what only God can handle?

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Tonight, I give you the worries and burdens I’ve been carrying. Even when I pick them up again, I surrender. I surrender the things that are outside of my control and trust that your love, care, and faithfulness will protect me even there. Thank you for allowing me to rest knowing that you’re watching over me and working on my behalf.

Amen.

Agape, Amber

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

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