This morning I was reading from the Living The Surrendered Life reading plan on the YouVersion app and it casually mentioned the verse in I Peter 5 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. Now, I grew up in church. I’ve heard that verse ALL my life, but sometimes it’s those things you think you understand that blindside you the most powerfully. What does that really look like? To cast your anxiety on God? I used to get this image of the guy from Pilgrim’s Progress carrying a bunch of rocks on his back and then throwing them up in the general direction of God. But we don’t carry rocks. So what does is look like for me to really cast my anxiety on God?
Short version? It’s ugly. It’s hot, angry tears and snotty shirt sleeves. And I’m not a pretty cry-er. Heavens, no. My anxiety looks like a grown-up temper tantrum. A pity party of one. And even knowing how unattractive that is, God says to throw it His way. That’s some serious Love.
So often I think Christians get this idea that we have to dress up and be on our best behavior and use proper etiquette to be in the presence of God (or other Christians). That is a dangerous thought process that cripples a genuine relationship with Christ. If we can’t be real in front of God, then what’s the point of having a relationship with him? So go ahead, cast your ugly anxiety on God — don’t hold back — he can handle it. Then take a moment and ask him what you’re suppose to learn from this. Chances are there is a lot he wants to teach you, but first you have to be real with him — and that can look ugly.
WOW. It is so amazingly refreshing to know that I am not alone in this battle to surrender anxiety. I want to hold on so badly and yet, you are so right… It is ugly.. and tender… and swollen… and he loves every ounce of me all the same.
Thank you.
tender and swollen… well put Hannah. And you are totally not alone friend :)
Not only do we need to be completely open with God we also need to develop relationships in life with other people where we can be the same as well. A difficult thing to do I have found. I have only a couple of people I am really open with I would say and really only one all the way.
You’re exactly right Mark. I’ve found that once we get past the initial awkwardness, those authentic relationships are so life giving. Few and perhaps far between, but worth being real. Thanks for bringing that up.