Alert and Self-controlled

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:7 NIV)

Anxiety . . . one of satan’s best and most used “fiery darts” against Christians. It worked so well on Adam and Eve in the Garden that he has continued its use throughout history. He created fear in them by making them doubt God.

Anxiety is the results of unanswered questions . . . perhaps unanswerable ones. Did God say? Does he really mean it? Anxiety results from rejecting what God said. “You will not die.” Anxiety results from our own pride. “Your eyes will be opened and you will be like God.” (See Genesis 3:1-5)

We should not regard anxiety as a sin, but rather as the fiery darts of “your enemy the devil (who) prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (v. 8). We cannot stop his prowling, devouring actions, but we can deflect them away from us.

How? First, we do what Peter instructs in verse 7. We cast all our anxiety on him, knowing that he has our best interests at heart. Second, we do what he instructs in verse 8. We remain alert and control ourselves.

Our lives would be immeasurably improved if we would simply practice this Apostle’s counsel. How we would grow! What happiness we would enjoy! What victory! Oh, yes! It is entirely possible. I do not claim any perfection in this respect, yet I am confident of the Word of God and the God of the Word.

Dear Father, thank you for caring for us and all our needs. Empower us with alert, self-control so that we may constantly cast our anxieties on you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today alert and self-controlled,