Have you ever tried to reason with a toddler? If you have, you know it is not an easy feat. You see, when a toddler throws a tantrum because they cannot have any more candy, they do not often realize that you said "no" because you care about them and you know that overeating sugar will not be good for their health. In fact, they may think that the opposite is true. They may think that you said "no" because you do not care about them. Their feelings, however, do not change the fact that you do, in fact, care about them, and you want the best for them. The same is true about God. He cares about us deeply, even in times when we do not feel that God is working. In the most difficult, frustrating times, we can trust that He cares deeply for us.
Throughout Scripture, we see evidence of God’s deep love and care for His people. One place we read about God’s care for His people is the book of 1 Peter, a book of the Bible that was written to believers who were being persecuted and faced suffering. In chapter 5, Peter wrote, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you" (verse 8). This short verse is packed with significance. First of all, it contains a command: “Give all your worries and cares to God.” Notice the word “all” in this verse. There is not one worry or care that we should not take to God. We are invited to bring every single care and concern that we have to God, even the seemingly small and insignificant cares. Secondly, this verse tells us why we can bring all of our worries and cares to God. He cares about us. We can bring our concerns to God because He cares about us. How remarkable that the God of the universe, who created everything, from every grain of sand to every star in the sky and everything in between, cares about us! He cares about our concerns and needs down to the smallest detail.
Perhaps as Peter wrote the words in 1 Peter 5:8, Jesus’ teaching that he heard first-hand was on his mind, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). When we bring Him our burdens, our cares, and our worries, He offers His rest. Will you turn to Him today with your cares and concerns instead of turning to complaining? If you do, you will find rest for your soul.
Read 1 Peter 5:8 out loud three times. Let the truth from this passage of Scripture flood your heart and mind. Ask God to help you believe that He cares deeply for you. Commit to trusting in His care for you instead of giving in to complaining and grumbling, knowing that because He cares for you, He will also take care of you.
1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
