“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you,” Peter encourages (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus stands ready to shoulder every care weighing down your soul today. But will we let go...and let God?
Releasing worries rarely comes naturally. I tend to cling tightly to anxiety, as if my white-knuckled grip might change outcomese. Of course, all of my worry never changes anything-it only steals my peace. Scripture paints a different picture of handling stress: giving fears over to God through prayerful trust. But taking that step feels vulnerable at times. What if I can't control all the variables? Yet Jesus gently unclenches anxious hands not designed to hold such burdens alone. In exchange he offers peace and courage only he can give.
What does Scripture say about handling stress and managing fears? David testifies, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19). In prayer, we rediscover God brings comfort and joy in spaces where worry once was.
Paul echoes Peter’s call to cast cares on Christ: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). As we commit concerns to God in intentional prayer, peace rushes in. Gratitude too soothes stress when we refocus thoughts on Jesus instead of the chaos.
Isaiah 26:3 adds, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Not manufactured by perfect plans but divinely imparted to receptive hearts. As thoughts fix firmly on God’s faithful character, we discover strongholds of perfect peace.
What burden feels unbearable today? Stop and place that weight into Jesus’ hands. Confess where you’ve clutched control too tightly. Accept his invitation into deeper trust. God cares intimately for you and invites you to cast every care freely upon his strong and sturdy shoulders. He is fully able to carry what we are not. As you let go, Jesus’ overwhelming peace holds you steady.