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Do you know the definition of the word all? Of course you know what all means. So, why would I ask such a simple question?
Here’s why: In the context of 1 Peter 5:7, you may have missed the meaning of this little word all. That verse says, very simply,
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
All means everything you’re worried about; every concern you have; it means anything that is causing you to be anxious, to be fearful. That would include:
- Your fear of COVID. Have you been caught in the blanket of fear that has been thrown over the entire world? Who do you think is behind all that fear? It certainly isn’t God, because he never gives us a spirit of fear. The enemy of your soul wants to keep you in fear because then you’re spiritually crippled.
- Your worry about your child or children. Whether still young or out of the house now, we parents can be very anxious about our children, their future, their wrong choices.
- Your job concerns—that difficult coworker or impossible boss.
- Your money worries—maybe the pandemic has taken a toll on your finances.
- Family relationship issues—with a mate or sibling or parent.
I mean, all just means all, right? Have you realized that God wants ALL your anxieties, not just the big ones, not just the easy ones. He wants them all because he can handle them and you can’t. Jesus 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). And he meant it.
Whatever worry is taking over your mind, whatever heartache is causing you to lose sleep, whatever care is heavy on your heart—can you please just cast them ALL on Jesus? Don’t keep even one of them, no matter how ashamed you may be or how insignificant they may seem. No matter how many times you’ve prayed about it before. Today, cast all of them on Jesus. It’s a small word but if you obey God, that small word can be a burden-lifter for you.
We have created a card of this verse to remind you to cast all your anxiety on God. Click here to download.