If you have ever found yourself lying awake in bed at night, your mind racing with worry after worry, I want to let you in on a little secret. You might not believe me at first, but bear with me. By the time you reach the end of this article, I promise you’ll find a new sense of peace in your heart. So, even if you’re skeptical, stay with me just a bit longer.

Let’s start with the powerful words from 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Now, isn’t that a beautiful invitation? God, the Creator of heaven and earth, invites us to throw our worries and anxieties on Him. Can you imagine anyone else offering to carry all your burdens? I sure can’t. But that’s exactly what our Heavenly Father does. He’s like that strong neighbor who sees you struggling with heavy boxes and insists on taking them off your hands. But in God’s case, those ‘boxes’ are your troubles and fears.

When Peter penned this verse, he knew firsthand what it was to be weighed down by anxiety. Can you picture the fishermen-turned-apostle, whose life was turned upside down by following Jesus? He faced storms both literal and figurative, cried out in fear, and even denied Christ three times—talk about anxiety! And yet, Peter found solace in the unwavering care of our Lord.

As a 60-year-old man who’s seen quite a bit of life, I can relate to Peter. Growing up in America, my folks taught me the value of hard work, trust in God, and the importance of serving others. I’ve had my fair share of worries, from raising my kids to make sure they turned out right, to fretting over financial security, to wondering what kind of world we’re leaving behind for our grandchildren. We live in uncertain times, folks, and there’s no getting around that truth. But there’s another truth too: Our God is bigger than our worries.

Now, let’s talk about the moral of this beautiful verse. It teaches us humbleness and trust. For many of us boomers, admitting we can’t handle everything ourselves isn’t easy. We’ve been programmed to be self-reliant and stoic, to just “soldier on.” But God doesn’t want us to carry the heavy load alone. He wants us to be humble enough to admit we need His help. Only then can we truly experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

God’s got all the time in the world for you and your troubles. Think of Him as a best friend who never tires of listening, and never gives half-hearted advice. Isn’t that comforting? Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a moment to reflect on 1 Peter 5:7, and offer up a prayer. Sometimes it’s a prayer of desperation, and sometimes it’s just a quiet, heartfelt whisper.

Today, right now, you might be carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Maybe it’s concerns about your kids or grandkids, worries about your finances, health issues, or even the state of our beloved nation. But here’s my advice – try following Peter’s counsel. Just this once, take whatever is troubling you, and cast it upon the Lord.

You may be wondering, ‘How exactly do I cast my anxiety on Him?’ It’s simpler than you think. Picture each concern as a stone in your hand. Now, imagine dropping those stones one by one at the feet of Christ. Sometimes, it helps to speak them out loud or write them down in a journal. And then, just let them go. Trust that God will pick them up and carry them for you. It’s a simple act of faith, but it can transform your entire outlook.

Before I let you go, let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father, I come to You, burdened with cares and worries. Life can be so overwhelming, and sometimes I forget to lean on You. But right now, Lord, I choose to cast all my anxieties on You, because I know You care for me deeply. Thank You for always being there, for lifting my burdens when they feel too heavy to bear. Help me to trust You more each day and to remember that You are always in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

There you have it, friends. God loves you, cares for you, and wants you to live a life free of worry. Next time you feel the weight of anxiety pressing down on you, remember the words of 1 Peter 5:7. And don’t be shy to accept God’s offer to carry your load. I’m betting you’ll find a lightness in your spirit that you haven’t felt in a long time.

Thank you for giving me your time today. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you safe.