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
This morning, I pause my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today explores anxiety and its relationship to our faith. John Piper rhetorically asks how anxiety about the future "is a form of pride." He then answers his question by paraphrasing how he thinks God would answer that question - he points us to Isaiah 51:12 where God asks rhetorically why are we afraid of man and what man may do to us. Man is God's creation and all of God's creation is mortal and will not last whereas God lasts forever and He promises eternal life to those who believe in Him. Thus our faith in Him should strengthen us and if it does not it means our faith is weak and we believe more in ourselves than in God. By highlighting 1 Peter 5:6-7, Piper wants us to follow Peter's words and humble ourselves and cast our anxieties on Him. In concluding the devotion, Piper shares "pride is a form of unbelief and does not like to trust in God for his future grace. Faith, on the other hand, admits the need for help. Pride won’t. Faith banks on God to give help. Pride won’t. Faith casts anxieties on God. Pride won’t. Therefore, the way to battle the unbelief of pride is to admit freely that you have anxieties, and to cherish the promise of future grace in the words, “He cares for you.” And then unload your fears onto his strong shoulders."
Great words of encouragement - God DOES care for us!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and cares for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessing me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
