Read Matthew 6:25-32; 1 Peter 5:5-7
I love the truth that becoming God's daughter or son is something that takes place instantaneously when we place our trust in His finished work on the cross, John 19:30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21. When I cast all my sins upon Him and receive His ongoing cleansing, I don't wonder if I will be accepted when I stand before the King, Jude 1:24-25.
Wouldn't it seem, because I rest so securely in Jesus' love for me concerning being with Him for eternity that I would also rest so peacefully in His care for me in the everyday events of life, Romans 8:32? That would be wonderful, but my walk with Jesus is a work in progress as He teaches and changes me, 2 Corinthians 3:18. Why is it sometimes so hard to cast all my concerns upon Him and leave them in His care, Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7? I do give them to the Lord, but, many times, before I know it, I am lugging them around again. Perhaps a story from several years ago might shed a bit of light concerning why resting in the Lord can sometimes be so challenging.
It happened the Saturday before Easter. That was the day I was dancing in the kitchen, and as I was spinning on my heel, I fell flat on the ground and broke my wrist. The break was severe enough that I required surgery, and for several weeks, I was unable to do anything with my right hand that required lifting or grasping. One thing was certain. I had to give many chores to my husband. There was simply no choice in those first weeks. Inability brings about dependence. As healing occurred-and I praise God for the good surgeon and the healing of the Great Physician-I was able to do more and more. I was very thankful to the Lord for each little step towards healing.
Back to those first weeks. I had to "cast all my chores on my husband who cared for me". One reason I snatch my problems back from the Savior's care is that I sometimes forget that I can't carry them any better than I could carry a laundry basket in the early weeks of my healing. The forgetting comes to an end when the weariness of doing what God hasn't designed me to do wears me down.
It is interesting that 1 Peter 5:6 talks about walking in humility. It is humbling when we can't accomplish tasks physically, and it is also humbling to admit that we can't carry our burdens any farther than Jesus' feet. To admit that we are dependent not only for salvation but in the every-day events of life requires remembering something the Lord knows. We are dust, Psalm 103:14.
When I was unable to do many daily chores, I experienced my husband's love in new tangible ways. How much more will we experience the loving care of God when we leave our struggles and dilemmas with Him, relying on Him for His plan. In Matthew 6:25-32, Jesus gives us practical help for the times when we find ourselves worrying rather than casting and resting. I love the simple task He gives us. We are to consider His creation. He doesn't tell us to do an unfathomably difficult thing. Instead, we are to use our minds to ponder the amazing creatures and plants He has made. When we do that, we will remember not only the wonderful work He has done in creation but also the love He has for us. It is in these verses that we learn that we are more valuable to Him than the birds He feeds, Matthew 6:26. Jesus also says that He is concerned about our every-day needs such as clothing. His attention to detail on our behalf is greater than the care He exercised when He made the brilliantly colored flowers, Matthew 6:30. If those truths weren't enough, He reminds us in Matthew 6:32 that God is the One Who also knows our needs. He is aware of them, even before we cast them upon Him in prayer, Matthew 6:8.
Lord, we come to You in humility, knowing that You care for us and have all wisdom and power to accomplish Your will on the earth. May these lyrics be our prayer:
“I cast all my cares upon You; I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet; And any time I don't know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You”. KELLY WILLARD