Daily EncouragementSample

How wonderful is the fact that “He cares for you.” Alan Stibbs points out that it “expresses a belief which is distinctive of Christianity and of biblical faith. Other religions with their many ceremonies are commonly occupied with the business of making God care.” How often our Lord stressed our heavenly Father’s care of his children. How evident this care is as we look back over our lives!

How welcome the exhortation is - “Cast all our anxiety on him.” Peter has Psalm 55:22 in mind - “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” A definite, decisive act is envisaged. Is the context significant? Peter has been speaking about elders and young men, in relation to pastoral care in the Church. Anxiety is often in evidence in this area and in these relationships. Let us remember what to do with such anxiety!

Why are we reluctant to cast our care on the Lord? Williams Cowper, prone to anxiety himself, challenges us:

Have you no words, ah, think again!
Words flow apace when you complain
And fill your fellow-creature’s ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent
To heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
“Hear what the Lord has done for me.”