Cast all your cares on God, because He cares for you

Are there situations in your life that are robbing you of your peace of mind? Perhaps, the cares of the week are weighing down on you. Or, are you struggling with worries, fears and anxieties?

Some time ago, I heard about a woman who was a chronic worrier. Sometimes, her troubled mind could not think clearly and logically. But, at last, after years and years of persistent worrying, she learned a secret that worked amazingly well to enable her to break the worry habit with great effectiveness.

One afternoon at her office job, the woman was discussing with a coworker how she finally broke the worry habit. Pausing for a moment, the co-worker frowned and whispered, “I don’t remember the last time I haven’t worried.”

There seemed to be complete silence as the woman explained, “When worries threaten to overwhelm me, here is a simple exercise that I do for releasing my struggles to God. It’s a method of letting go of the feelings and worries that you can’t do anything about.”

The co-worker looked skeptical. Then, she leaned forward and questioned, “Please tell me… what is the secret?”

Nodding, yes, the woman uttered, “The cycle of negative thoughts and worry are destructive forces that can keep us from fulfilling the great, predestined purpose that God has laid out for our lives.” The co-worker listened carefully.

She continued, “This is what I do: I close my eyes. I take a few deep breaths. Then, I picture putting something I’ve been worrying about but over which I have absolutely no control… in a big, red balloon. In my mind’s eye, I vividly picture it. With my eyes still closed, I imagine releasing those problems that are within the balloon up to God. Next, I envision the balloon floating in the air, going up to God. I hand them over to

Him and let God take care of those issues for me.”

The co-worker’s face softened. And with a grateful smile, the woman murmured, “When we release our troubles into God’s hand, we can free ourselves of those emotions like worry, fear or anger that can be paralyzing in their magnitude. This simple ritual has allowed me to release accumulated worries. I stopped focusing on my problems and looked to God for help and guidance.”

Hence, the woman was able to relax. She kept a peaceful atmosphere in her family home and got a good night’s sleep. And the next day, she awoke joyful, thankful, and excited for the day ahead.

Like this woman, you have too much going for you to spend this important time of your life worrying. The more you think about and discuss negative circumstances or continue to rehash past mistakes and regrets, the more you give life to that negativity. And similar to poison ivy, those unconstructive thoughts can become contagious and grow and grow.

If something happens that causes you worry, refuse to give in to it. Instead, think positively; fill your mind with thoughts of love, hope, and peace, to increase your sense of well-being. Count your many blessings. Help others. Focus on a meaningful purpose. Pray. And relax. There are abundant blessings to come, for there is no limit to what God can do for you.

I read in the classic book, “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale, “Put yourself in God’s hands. To do that simply state, ‘I am in God’s hands.’ Then, believe you are NOW receiving all the power you need. Feel it flowing into you.” Therefore, all through the day, keep God foremost in your mind and mediate on His promises:

You may be worried about situations that are challenging you now. Yet, God promises, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).

Perhaps, you are concerned about finances. However, God promises, “I will supply all of your needs...” (Philippians 4:19).

Possibly, you are worried that your dreams will never ever come to be. Nevertheless, God promises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3).

You could be agonizing because people might have tried to hurt or deceive you. But, God promises, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17).

You could be fearful about what will happen tomorrow. Though God promises, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).

Or, you’re worried as you face yet another setback. Still, God promises, “Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

While we should always be striving to improve, we also have to allow God time to do His work. So, do not measure problems according to your own abilities. Rather, hand situations that you cannot manage yourself over to God … and He will do the rest. Remember, God is always with you, an everpresent help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). So, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Today, if you have any worries, imagine putting those concerns in that red balloon and ask God to lift them from your shoulders. It is our faith that will free us from anxiety, fears and uncertainties. So, take courage, persist in putting your fears into the Lord’s capable hands, and dare to trust in Him.

It is only a matter of time before unjust circumstances turn around. Thus, allow God’s peace to rule within your heart as you chose to trust in God for today, tomorrow and the future. Your breakthrough is near. And, soon, you’ll receive amazing blessings straight from God’s Hand to you.