By John David Hicks
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV).
When I picture this verse I see myself with a big scoop shovel and a big pile of dirt and gravel; scooping it up and casting it into a wheelbarrow. Peter is talking about the continuous act of scooping up all your cares and throwing them on the Lord.
“He cares for you” literally means that it matters to Him about you. Peter is talking about anxiety. Corrie ten Boom said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Paul told the Philippians in 4:6–7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” That’s it; take it to the Lord in prayer. Leave it there—don’t pick it up again. The Lord is willing to be responsible for the things you are anxious about.
When a care comes, cast it on Him. The Lord wants you to adopt this lifestyle. Why? Peter gives the answer— “for He cares for you.” The Lord is the One who Loves you, cares and gave His life for you; He is the one who is asking you to cast your cares on Him. You can be confident, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32). The Lord is genuinely concerned for your welfare.
When you are going through problems and difficulty, the Lord wants you to know that you are never alone because He is with you; He promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) You are the object of His love, thus, “He cares for you.” Confess it out loud. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary” (Psalms 107:2).
Pastor Elisha Hoffman worked with the “down and out” people in Benton Harbour, Michigan. One day he visited a mother who was needy, in sorrow, afflicted with great pain and in the depths of despair. Oh how he wanted to help her. All of the scripture he quoted she knew, but did not lift her spirits. Finally, he reminded her, “You need to tell Jesus all about your problems.” Her face brightened. She had forgotten this simple truth and started repeating the words, “Yes, I must tell Jesus.” On his way home those words kept ranging in his ears. He then penned the words and the tune to the hymn, “I Must Tell Jesus.” The year was 1894. The hymn expresses that you not only need to go to Jesus with your physical needs but also in your temptations and responsibilities of each day. You can rest assured that he will hear you and work all things together for your good (Rom. 8:28-29).
Listen to the words:
I must tell Jesus all of my trials; I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles; He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver; Make of my troubles quickly an end.
Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior, One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, He all my cares and sorrows will share.
O how the world to evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me Over the world the victory to win.
Chorus:
“I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.”