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"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
The Greek word for anxiety is "merimna" which means to be distracted or divided, to fall apart or to be split into pieces. It is a good description of something that we all experience when life hits us hard. One day, everything seems to be going well; the very next day, everything is blown apart, and we're left picking up or worrying over the pieces. Sometimes, it happens to us; sometimes, it happens to our family and friends -- health issues, work problems, relationship struggles -- and we don't know what to say or do. Sometimes, it happens to our nation, or the whole world. We worry because we feel powerless, and this, in turn, isolates us from the help that we need. Anxiety takes over, and our future dreams are fragmented.
According to the apostle Peter, the remedy for anxiety is God's great care and compassion. The Greek word is "melei", which means to be fully concerned, deeply solicitous, and totally involved. In other words, when we feel anxious, God cares about the worries that we have, and He seeks to help us through them. This is why Jesus also invited us to come to Him when we are weary, burdened, and at the end of our tether. He is willing to provide us with comfort, rest, and strength. He said:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
Application: Are you anxious about something or someone in your life? Let God's loving care help and embrace you at this time.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the things that heighten our anxiety and the current worries that burden us. Be near us today and allow us to feel Your loving presence in our hearts, minds, and homes. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author's permission
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