“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
Casting Cares
Oh, my, now I remember how I usually end up in such a tizzy at Christmas time. Every year I say to myself, “Self, don’t let it happen again!” Seriously, I don’t want to come to the end of the season and secretly be glad the whole merry mess is over. No, absolutely not, NOT this year!
I realize now, while I still have my wits about me, that there’s a reason this stress, this panic, this hyperventilating happens to me: it all starts with just four little words—YOU–ARE–EXPECTED–TO… keep the entire Christmas season rolling as planned, as anticipated, as required, as, as, as, USUAL! Surely, everyone’s entire happiness depends on ME! Oh, dear Lord, I’m doing it again. Really? Apparently, I’m quite an indispensible figure in the scheme of the universe. And I CAN’T BREATHE!
Well, wait just a minute here. Last time I checked, the only indispensible Person is Jesus Christ our Lord—and it’s His birthday! To be honest, the best, most genuine Christmas I can remember in my adult life was 40 years ago when I was going through a divorce and had taken a low-paying job as a motel maid to survive. My life was, well, truly in the toilet (that was the season I scrubbed approximately 5,345 commodes). Though I couldn’t buy gifts for anyone that year, I started singing in the church choir, and God met me in a most amazing way. True joy and peace filled my heart in the simplest things and I’ve never, ever forgotten that gift.
These days, the sheer avalanche of things we have to sift through to get back to basics can be entirely overwhelming. All the magazines, the TV ads, and the store displays point to how to have the most beautiful table, best decorated home, jolly husbands, children and pets. But will any of that feed our hungry souls? Probably not.
This year, all this stuff that’s trying to rob me of the joy of the season? Well, I think I know where to put it (hmmm). And the deep cares of my heart, fear, anxiety, and pain? I know where that belongs too—cast upon Jesus, for He cares for me.
“Oh, Lord, thank You for taking our cares upon Yourself—we definitely can’t handle it alone!”
What a joyous thought/scripture to carry us through this season! Merry Christmas!
What a great reminder to put Jesus first. By the time Christmas is finally over I am so relieved and exhausted. This year I am going to stay in the Word daily and focus on Him. Thank you.
Thank you for being real! I thought I was the only one who feels overwhelmed every year after I tell myself I’m not going to do it again and again. To be prepared in advance and to simplify the holidays. I’m now thinking that’s an unrealistic goal to put on ourselves! When I put my eyes on the Lord and what really matters I can breathe again. It’s how we love Him that matters most and the precious time we take to sit, communicate and laugh with our loved ones is so much more precious than any gift we could buy. And I know it brings great joy to our Father in Heaven.
Oh man am I relieved I’m not alone! What a great message. And, this year I am breathing and enjoying the real reason for the season! Thank you!