“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)
We have heard it said that we can’t disappoint God because His word teaches that He knows our frame, therefore it is really us who disappoint ourselves because we have thought higher of ourselves . Ouch. Pride is within our sinful nature, no doubt . I cannot count how many times I have chosen to fail over and over again than to recognize and admit I need help. Can you relate ? God mentions pride and humility together over and over again. In the verses just before this verse, humility is a key word, and reads how God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
I’ve learned humility through much brokenness. Trying times have made me more and more reliant on God each day and I am grateful. No way I would have come this far without HIM.
The Lord alone knows how much pain, suffering, humiliation and hardships we have had to endure. But how beautifully He has displayed his favor on us as well .
“The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34
I think about Jacob, and how God had to dislocate his hip for him to submit. I think about Paul who had a “thorn” in the flesh. I think about Nebuchadnezzar—and even Peter who, through his denial, had to be humbled. These instances/times were painful but brought them all ever so closer to God.
I encourage you, whatever you are going through, whether serious health issues, heartbreak, loss, a diagnosis—or even fear of the unknown—trust in the Lord and do not trust in your own understanding of your situation.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Cry out to Him in the midst of your suffering and humbly submit yourself under God’s mighty hand and in return He promises to lift you up in due time. True evidence of present humility is recognizing and admitting You need His help. And that’s why the following verse says “Cast all your anxieties on Him”. You need to let go.
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
When I hear “casting” I think about the repetitive action someone fishing has to take while catching fish. In the same manner we have to continue to let go and give our worries and fears to the Lord. This verse ends with “because he cares for you”. It is such a relief to know that the God who I’m humbling and submitting myself to—the One who I’m giving all of my worries and anxieties to—cares for me. He cares for you, too.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29.
That care is displayed here and throughout His word. It is even more clear on the Cross.
“…He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him may not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
I pray that you not only humble yourselves in surrendering your worries and anxieties to Him, but—if you have not done so—to humble yourself under His mighty hand, that you may fully surrender your heart and life to Him who deeply cares for you.
I Pray this blesses you as it has blessed me.
By Lucero Alcaraz