Verse of the Day 9/1

Through the Bible - Psalms 135-136

 

This week, so far, has been one that has been full of news if illness, accidents, and injuries to several friends.  It is at times like this that we realize that we are not in control and that we cannot solve all our problems or heal ourselves.  Sometimes, that realization can frustrate us, but it is an opportunity to humble ourselves and cast our worries, fears and anxieties on the Lord.

 

For today's verse we'll go to 1 Peter 5 where Peter encourages us to "cast" our burden's on the Lord.

 

1 Peter 5:6-7Amplified Bible (AMP)⁶Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, 

 ⁷Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

 

I like the Amplified Bible translation with its highlights.  Read it again slowly, consider "the whole of your care", all of your concerns.  Turn them over to Him, "castng" them on Him,  know that He cares for you.  Watchfully.  MacArthur writes, "Casting means to throw something on something, as to throw a blanket on a donkey.  Christians are to cast all of their discontent, discouragement, despair, and suffering on the Lord, and trust Him for knowing what He's doing with their lives."

 

I think back to days spent in the ICU intensely watching monitors for hours, paying close attention to the readings,  watchfully looking over our son.  Even when we feel like we are alone, He is there, day by day, watching over us with such intensity.

 

I'm reminded of the old hymn "Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment". 

 

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

 

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Cast your burden on the Lord for the strength for your trials and special mercy for each hour.

 

1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) " while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
 

Blessings,
Mike
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1 Peter 5:6-10  English Standard Version (ESV)

 ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.