A Meditation on 1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter 5:7 helps you deal with cares and worries

1 Peter 5:7 is a short and simple verse that carries a lot of truths. If you are filled with troubles, this is one rich verse you should meditate on.

1 Peter 5:7 in different translations

Reading Scripture in different translations broadens our understanding. Let's look at 1 Peter 5:7 rendered in different Bible Translations.

a. From Holman Christian Standard Bible:

"casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you."

b. From Amplified Bible Classic:

"Casting the whole of your care

[all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all]

on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."

c. From New English Translation:

"by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you."

2 Main Truths from 1 Peter 5:7

From a simple reading of the verse, we can clearly see 2 main truths.

1. There's an action step we should take. 1Peter 5:7  says what we should do:

'cast all your cares upon God'

and
2. There's a reason for this action step. 1Peter 5:7 says why we should do it:

'because God cares for you'

More Truths from 1 Peter 5:7

Meditating on 1 Peter 5:7 reveals more truths for us to learn:
1. We will have cares in this world.

You'll hear different preachers and varying faith groups talk about cares, worries, and problems that contradict Scriptures. Some believe that the Christian is only ever meant for success and happiness at all times.

They go so far in saying that "God's children should practice 'deliverance' each time failures, sin, sicknesses, and other negative things in life come. Because, such are all from the devil and should be rebuked at all times. The christian is born only for success, wealth, and perfect health."

Now don't get me wrong. God may bless you with perfect health, great wealth, and continuous success and happiness. That is very much possible for the redeemed. But, what if, that is not what God will have for your life? What if, like Job, God allows you to go through some suffering, trials, and testings?

1 Peter 5:7 states a fact. We will have cares in this world. It's okay to fear it. But don't deny the truth and possibility that it may come knocking on your door one day. Accept the possibility and know what you should do when the situation arises.

2. God cares for you.

This is solid truth we can count on. God cares for each one of us. Scriptures assure as that God cares for us. Psalm 23 wonderfully pens this fact. The Lord Jesus Himself reminds us of this very truth in Matthew 6.

You may find yourself in extremely difficult situations. You may feel like the world is just falling down upon you. You may begin to wonder where God is in all these. Take heart. Remember His care. When doubts arise, comfort and remind yourself of the thought that He cares for you.

3. We should cast ALL our cares on God.

We can and should come to God with all our cares. 1 Peter 5:7 says we should not 'burden' ourselves with carrying and worrying about ANY care. We are to give them over to God. EACH of them. ALL of them.

Christians lose joy and peace because we have a habit of keeping some worries and problems to ourselves. We don't let God in. We don't run to Him with each problem. We don't turn to Him when faced with a challenging situation.

Peter says we ought to cast ALL our cares. Don't keep anything to yourself. Remember that.

4. Being humble means casting all our cares on God.
It's interesting that NET Bible keeps the adverb 'BY' in its rendition of the verse, and keeps its placement at the beginning. This is in connection with the previous verse, which says, 

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,

so that in due time He may exalt you."

From this, we understand that part of being humble is to let God deal with our cares. To humble yourself is to depend upon God and not yourself. Because, when you are humble, you understand that you have no capability apart from God.

And, when that is your mindset, coming to God for help in everything becomes natural or instinctive, no matter how small or big your cares may be. When that is your mindset, you don't "take over". Instead, you either work alongside of God or at times, fully step aside to let Him miraculously work things out for your good. (Romans 8:28).

Life Application for 1 Peter 5:7

After learning these truths from 1 Peter 5:7, what now? How do we apply these truths in our Christian walk? In closing, here are some practical suggestions.

1. Practice coming to God for any of your concerns. Keep God in the loop all day. You have complete access to His presence. Speak with Him about any concern that comes up.

2. See what's troubling you lately. Determine what issues are robbing you of peace of mind and calmness. Humble yourself before God by letting go of those issues and letting Him tackle each one for you.

3. Memorize and speak 1 Peter 5:7 to yourself when challenging situations arise, when worries arise, and when cares pile up.

4. Post this verse at a place within view for at least a week. Pause and thank God for His care each time you see the post.

photo credit to: free-photos