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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Imagine you and I are sharing coffee and a chat. As we visit, the focus of our conversation turns to sharing those special nuggets we’ve learned from the Bible.
Yesterday I did a little research on a familiar passage from a daily devotion: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:67, NASB).
As I looked deeper, I found this passage means we must have a modest opinion of ourselves — the opposite of a prideful, haughty demeanor. We have a wonderful capability to glorify God, for our lives to be pleasing to Him and for our actions and words to be good representatives of Him.
One way we humble ourselves is by casting our cares and anxieties on Him.
Why would that be part of humbling ourselves? We live in a culture that denies anything less than self-ability.
Early in life, youngsters say, “I can do it myself.” Our American pride says, “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” or “He is a selfmade man.” Sound familiar?
As self-made achievers, everyone around us rewards our pride of accomplishment — everyone but God, who says, “humble yourself by ...”
How do we humble ourselves and display trust in God? By casting all our cares, concerns and anxieties upon Him.
A good illustration would be a huge 18-wheeler truck, fully loaded. The driver arrives and delivers the load, and now the load is transferred to the owner’s dock. The load is transferred to another’s responsibility.
What is your load today? Choose a delivery point and depend on God to assume the care and responsibility.
It is not passive or happenstance — our choice is intentional and purposeful. It declares you choose to allow God to shape your life, to commit your circumstance and life to Him.
I need God’s help. I’ve faced situations and circumstances beyond my human ability to control.
Friends, we just do not have control of everything, and if you haven’t been up against this wall, then shore up. The time will come when you will.
We all need to remember He cares for you. The most direct path toward remembering this is to humble ourselves by casting our cares on Him.
Praise God today, that He loves us so much that He takes on our anxiety and concern. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
