“casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
1 Peter 5:7 is a familiar verse that has long provided comfort and encouragement to God’s people in times of pain or trouble. Although we often view this passage in isolation, it actually marks the end of a three-verse reflection on humility that started in 1 Peter 5:5. That discussion began with the following admonition: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
In verse six, we were next reminded to humbly submit to God’s will so He might exalt us at the appropriate time. This section now ends with a call to action here in 1 Peter 5:7: we humble ourselves before God by casting our cares upon Him.
In the New Testament era, this reference to “casting” typically involved a saddle blanket that was placed upon a horse or donkey. Today, we might evoke a comparable image whenever we cast a similar covering across a bed or couch. These illustrations help provide us with a clearer understanding of what it means to act upon this verse.
In another sense, we might view this passage as the final destination of a three-part journey. That journey begins with any situation that might provoke feelings of worry or anxiety. The challenge for us is this: how do we get from that starting point to the destination where we “cast all our cares upon Him”? The best way to answer that question is to begin by seeking God’s empowerment to follow these Biblical directives…
“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT).
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
Therefore, as a commentator from an earlier generation reminds us…
“Cast ‘all you care;’ personal cares, family cares, cares for the present, and cares for the future, for yourselves, for others, for the church, on God. These are burdensome, and often very sinful, when they arise from unbelief and distrust, when they torture and distract the mind, unfit us for duties, and hinder our delight in the service of God.” (1)
(1) Henry, Matthew. “Complete Commentary on 1 Peter 5”. “Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhm/1-peter-5.html. 1706.