My grandpa was an amazing guy. He was incredibly intelligent and almost unbelievably lucky. It seemed to me that he was good at everything he tried. One of the things I remember thinking that he was particularly good at was fishing. I didn't go with him often (I was far too talkative and impatient), but when I did I was always amazed at how far he could cast his line! You don't have to fish much to know that the best fish are usually the ones in the middle. I never caught the good ones because my cast only went a few feet-- and I was too impatient.
This morning I've been praying and worrying over a number of things. As I was practicing my memory verses, a couple of them really convicted me.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
It was the "casting" in 1 Peter that first caught my attention. It made me think of Pawpaw casting his line way out into the middle of the tank, and how he'd let it sit there and just watch. Then I thought about my puny little three foot cast, and how quickly I reeled it back in. We're talking less than three minutes from the time I started until my line was taut on the pole again! Sometimes I do really well casting my anxieties on the Lord. I'll pray and then wait to see what He's going to do. Other times it's more like I'm fishing. I mention it to the Lord, and then I reel it back in to ponder and worry... and ponder and worry... and mention it again, and then ponder and worry... cast and reel, cast and reel...
But why not worry? Because God "cares for you". God is deeply concerned with the details of your life. So talk to Him about them. And as you do that, His care displays itself as peace. Your emotions and thoughts don't run you around like Chicken Little. You are content to sit and watch what God will do. Which doesn't mean that you don't continue to ask, but your asking is characterized by peace instead of frantic pressing.
So, Christian, do not be anxious about anything, but cast all your anxieties on the Lord, because He cares for you, and He will give you peace.
