1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (NIV)

The Greek word for anxiety is ‘merimna’ which means to be distracted, divided, to fall apart, or be split into pieces. It is a good description of something that we all experience when life hits us hard. One day everything seems to be going well; the very next day everything is blown apart and we’re left picking up or worrying over the pieces. Sometimes it happens to our family and friends – health issues, work problems, relationship struggles – and we don’t know what to say or do. We worry because we feel powerless and this, in turn, isolates us from the help we need. Anxiety takes over and our future dreams are fragmented.

According to the Apostle Peter, the remedy for anxiety is God’s great care and compassion. The Greek word is ‘melei’ which means to be fully concerned, deeply solicitous, and totally involved. In other words, when we feel anxious, God cares about the worries we have and seeks to help us through them. This is why Jesus also invited us to come to Him when we are weary, burdened, and at the end of our tether – He is willing to provide us with comfort, rest, and strength (see Matthew 11:28-30)

Application: Are you anxious about something or someone in your life? Let God’s loving care help and embrace you at this time.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the things that heighten our anxiety and the current worries that burden us. Be near to us today and allow us to feel Your loving presence in our hearts, minds, and homes. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s lectionary drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click here.