In this helpful article we will look at some ways that you can cast your cares on the Lord. This will help you deal with worry and anxiety in your life.
Many times we carry burdens that are too heavy for us, and they hinder us from living joyful lives. The worries we have concerning our lives and the uncertainty we face can make us lack peace. Our minds are bogged down with many cares that prevent us from thinking properly.
The good news is that God is ready to help us with the cares, worries, and anxieties that we may have.
1 Peter 5:7 tells us that we are to cast our cares on God because He cares for us. Another word used for “cares” in the Bible is “anxieties”.
God wants us to give to Him the things that make us anxious because He has the ability to deal with them. We are limited in our ability to handle situations that are out of our control. Even though most of time we think we do. We actually don’t…that’s what gives us stress (source).
The Bible is full of wisdom and practical ways that we can cast our cares on the Lord. Let’s look at 6 of them.
6 Ways Cast Your Cares on Him
Check Out: Cast All Your Cares: The Meaning Of 1 Peter 5:7
1. Taking Thoughts Captive
We get anxious because of the thoughts we allow and entertain in our minds, which can make us pessimistic, fearful, and doubtful. And some get so good at it that they throw a daily pity party. Been there, done that!
When we are filled with anxiety, it’s because we are worrying about the outcome of a particular situation, and we don’t see any good thing coming from it.
2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This means that you make your thoughts align with the gospel of Jesus Christ and His commands.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Whatever burdens we have, we can give them to Jesus because He says that His yoke is light and we can find rest in Him. He came to give us peace from the troubles we encounter and comforts us along the way.
One way I take thoughts captive is when I think go something I know is contrary to the Word of God. I will quickly speak out…
“I take that thought captive (then I will name the thought) in the name of Jesus and God’s Word says this (insert Biblical truth). I choose to believe God’s truth for my life. Lord I ask you to wash my mind and thoughts with your precious blood. Help to stand on your truths. In the mighty name of Jesus…AMEN!”
2. Prayer
Whenever you feel that you are overcome with the cares of what you are going through, take them to God, and tell Him to help you have peace about your situation.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer invites God to bring His will into the situation you are dealing with, and to provide you with a solution. When we say prayers of faith, we can move the mountains that are staring us in the face every day.
I love this quote…
WORRY
anonymous
is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change.
PRAYER
is a conversation you have with God about things He can change.
For more on prayer check out some of these posts: Things You Should NOT Pray and Pray Points for Spiritual Growth.
3. Listen to positive messages
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. – Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression and discouragement but a good word makes it glad.
To avoid getting depressed because of the things that are causing you anxiety, listen to positive messages that uplift your spirit. You can listen to sermons or teachings that fill you with the joy of the Lord. Talk to friends who are positive and encourage you with their words. Even listening to worship music can help.
If you like podcasts you can check out these 20 popular Christian podcasts.
Negative words will make you more anxious and leave you feeling discouraged. Avoid those who have nothing good to say about your situation because they will leave you feeling down and defeated. Positive words will always make your heart glad.
Remember God is a God of hope!
4. Get into the Bible
Whenever your cares overwhelm you, turn to the Word of God for encouragement. God speaks to us through His Word, and shows us His will for our situations.
The Bible has incredible stories that encourage us and help us keep moving forward even when our strength is failing us.
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. – Psalm 119:28
Psalm 119:28 shows us that when our souls are melting with heaviness, we should ask God to strengthen us according to His Word.
Anytime you feel anxiety coming over you, open your Bible and read an encouraging passage. God’s Word will show you the truth about your situation, and you can be at peace knowing that God is always with you in your darkest moments.
And a practical tip is to read out loud. Let your ears hear the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)
Check Out – Jehovah Shammah: A Study On The Lord Is There
5. Ask God For Wisdom
Divine wisdom helps us see things from God’s perspective so that we don’t overreact. Many times we worry about things because we lack the wisdom to deal with them. James 1:5 tells us to ask God for wisdom and that He will not fault us for asking. Pray for the wisdom you need to understand and deal with your situation.
Remember our human wisdom is limited in understanding the spiritual side of our situations, and God’s wisdom will enlighten open our eyes to His truth.
God never leaves us in the dark, and always wants us to have clarity. Turn to the wisdom of God so that you will have a higher perspective on the situation you are dealing with today.
6. Don’t Give Into Fear
Worry is just a nice word for fear. Worry is the fear of something not going well or badly. It says in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love casts out fear. And God is the God of Love! (1 John 4:8)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18
If you want to avoid worry, cast your cares on the Lord because then you can receive His peace. Worrying will only upset you and distract you from where and what God has for you.
When our minds are troubled with what is going on around us, we are unsettled and we are unable to live in the present moment. Jesus asked us an important question relating to worry: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)
We waste days of our lives when our mind is filled with cares that should be in the Lord’s hands.
Every time a worrying thought comes to mind, replace it with one of the promises God has given you in His Word. Remind yourself that God is a God of Love and that you do not need to fear what could come. That He is with you always.
God’s Word and His presence will give you hope, and the assurance of His salvation. You may not have all the answers about your situation but you can trust that God does, and He is faithful to help you.
Cast Your Cares On The Lord
By casting your cares on God, you will set your heart free to grow in your relationship with God. The desire of the Lord is that we will live a worry free life despite what we encounter in life. It’s hard to live life to the fullest when you have a heavy heart that weighs you down.
Today you can start by telling God all the things that trouble your heart and mind, and allow Him to speak into your situation. A word from the Lord will set you free from worry and give you peace to move forward.
Remember God is a loving Father who wants to see you full of joy and peace. Cast all your cares on Him, you will be glad you did.
If you would like to leave me a comment you can do that below. I personally love hearing from you and what the Lord is doing in and through you!
Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.
She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Read More…