How to Handle Affliction and SufferingSample

Battling fear

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God ... casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Peter’s readers were worried; and with good reason, since the devil was going around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack (1 Peter 5:8). However, Peter tells them not to be afraid but to cast their anxieties on God, because He cares for them. In fact, he says that his readers need to humble themselves under God’s hand and that casting their anxieties on Him is an expression of their humility. Let’s think about that for a second.

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells His listeners not to be anxious about their life, what they will eat or what they will put on. Their heavenly Father knows what they need, Jesus says. Instead of being focused on their own needs and wants, Christians should seek first the Kingdom of God and trust Him to provide for them.

Of course, Satan does not want us to be focused on God’s Kingdom. He wants to distract us, and one of his tactics is to fill us with fear and anxiety. Do not let this happen, the Bible warns us. Cast your anxieties on God, recognizing that He is able to care for you. Trust Him!