Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Celebration”
Our Bible verse for today: “… casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “We can celebrate because Jesus carries our cares and burdens for us.”
I love the picture Peter paints in 1 Peter 5:7. More than just handing our cares and worries to Jesus, Peter encourages us to “cast them on Him.” That’s right, just toss them over to Him. Grab that sack of troubles on both ends, swing back and forth a couple of times to gain some momentum, and then give them the ole heave ho. Flinging that burden in His direction like a sack of potatoes. He’ll catch that sack, probably cradling it in both arms as He does, and then as He walks off to throw it on the big pile of other people’s sacks of cares and woes, He’ll probably look back over His should with a grin and give you a thumbs up.
Cast those cares on Jesus! He’s happy to take them. And then celebrate. Carefree and joyful, celebrate.
Paul wrote about this too. In Philippians 4:6-7 he wrote, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (HCSB)
Now let me be quick to point out that I’m not advocating some kind of “Pollyanna” naivete. This isn’t the “ignorance is bliss” approach to life. Problems are real. Worries and concerns are legitimate. But the spiritual reality – the Biblical truth – is that God is Sovereign over every issue we are faced with and Jesus wants to assume the care and worry for us so we can enjoy some peace and comfort instead (I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. John 15:11 (HCSB)”
The truth is that most of us don’t need to worry more, we need to worry less. We’re already naturally inclined to fret and brood. But Jesus invites us to hand our cares and concerns over to Him. In exchange, He gives us His joy and peace. Not a bad trade. I encourage you to cast your cares on Him today.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 