I Handle Things the Wrong Way

I'm making a personal confession today (I know, I do that a lot, but I can only tell my story, really). I don't handle things well. I either hold it all in, or let it all out. Either way, I don't deal with my problems in a constructive manner. When it comes down to it, don't we all? I mean, are any of us REALLY equipped to handle the problems that come our way? We work and work, some of us living paycheck to paycheck, stressed, tired, angry, and worried. We take our frustrations out on people we don't intend to, and handle our disappointments by shifting the blame and our baggage on to others. We don't always intend to, most of the time anyway, but we deal with others as a direct result of how our plans are, or are not, as it were, working out. Many in the world will tell you "God will not give you more than you can handle." The Bible, however, tells me to cast my cares on Him, as He cares for me. That term casting is an interesting one; it's a fishing term (cast your nets on the other side of the boat, cast your line out, you get the idea). It literally means to throw. So the Bible is telling me "throw my cares" on the Lord! So when the God of the Universe tells me to cast my cares, He understands that there are problems, many of my own devising, that I can't handle. I put on myself burdens I was never fit to carry, and so I need to CAST my cares. Chuck (or Chunk, depending on what part of the US you're in) them as hard as you can. Cry out to the God of the Universe and admit "I can't do it! Lord, you sent your son to die for me, help Him live in me!" Surrender and submit to Jesus Christ, and let the Holy Spirit be your comforter and Counselor! I can't handle this, but the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob can.

1 Peter 5

Shepherd the Flock of God

1So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,a not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;b not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

12By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Footnotes: a 2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight b 2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you