When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He introduced a brand-new concept. He taught them to begin their prayers, addressing God as "Father." The fact that believers can address God as our Heavenly Father was a new and radical concept. It meant that the all-powerful, all-knowing God invites His people to come to Him as His children. He cares deeply for us. My friend, He cares deeply for you.
Peter offers this lifeline of hope for those experiencing anxiety and worry: God cares about us. In 1 Peter 5, Peter addresses a topic that would make many people anxious: the enemy's tactics. Before warning against the enemy's schemes, he says, "Give all of your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you" (verse 7). Then he warns readers to "stay alert" because the devil, the enemy, is fighting against us. Despite this grim news, we do not have to be anxious because God invites us to give Him all our worries. Why does He issue this invitation? Peter explains that we can give God our worries and anxieties because He cares about us. He cares about the things we care about. What concerns us concerns Him. Because our God cares deeply for us, we can talk to Him about anything, especially what we are worried about.
As Peter wrote the words, "Give all your worries and cares to God," I cannot help but think that the words that Peter heard Jesus say in Matthew 11, "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" (verses 28-19). Jesus offers rest for our anxious, weary souls because He cares about us.
Whatever you are worried about, from big to small circumstances, He cares about you. He cares about the things that you are concerned about. May you find deep comfort and peace knowing that the God of the universe, your God, cares deeply for you. You are so loved. May you rest in His deep, personal love and care for you today.
Take some time to journal about the truth that God is your perfect Heavenly Father who cares deeply for you. How does this truth impact your view of God? How does it impact how you communicate with Him regularly? As you go throughout your day, reflect on this truth. Then, share this truth with someone today who needs the reminder that God cares for them as their perfect Heavenly Father.
"And 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[b] 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."
