Two-minute read.
Peter wrote this letter to Christians scattered throughout northern Asia Minor, known to us as modern-day Turkey. Living under Roman authority, they represented a distinct minority and experienced pressure, rejection, and in some cases, suffering because of their faith in Christ. Not a nationwide persecution, the evidence points to more localized social hostility rather than systematic persecution throughout the Roman Empire.
In 1 Peter 5:6, the disciple tells people to “Humble yourselves before God…” then to give their worries and cares to the Savior, stay alert, and watch out for the enemy. Peter doesn’t simply advise about everyday stress, but speaks to people who had real reasons for their anxiety. The apostle wants them to know: yes, you have pressure, but you don’t carry it alone. Because the Savior cares for them, they can hand their concerns over to God.
First, we must understand the depth of the Lord’s love for us and how much He truly cares. In a world where the Savior sometimes seems silent, we can doubt His affection for us. But Peter affirms confidently: God cares for you.
Because He cares, we can hand over our worries.
Each morning, when I write out my prayer requests to the Lord, I hand Him my worries. Whatever weighs down my heart, I let it pour from my fingertips onto the page and physically give it to the Savior. The more I release to God, the fewer worries I have. Knowing Christ’s deep affection for me, a love that led Him to the cross on my behalf, gives me confidence in His interest in my life and in the worries I carry. Jesus wants us to give them to Him and experience His gift of peace.
Find a way to hand your worries to God.
Maybe, like me, writing them in a journal helps you release your anxieties and fears. Or maybe taking a prayer walk around your neighborhood while giving God your woes will help you release them. Sometimes, making a list of your concerns, then writing beside each one, “God, I give this to You because You care for me,” will help you let go of what you can’t control.
Let go of your worries. Give them to the Father who cares for you. Allow Him to hold what you can’t.
Journal Questions:
- What worries or cares are you carrying right now that you need to surrender to God?
- Do you truly believe that God cares about what you are going through? What makes it hard to trust His care?
- What would it look like for you to release one specific worry to God today and rest in knowing that He is carrying it with you?
Application:
Write down your cares and give them to God.
