Cast All Your Cares

1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

What does this scripture really mean – casting all my cares upon him? Is it placing the things I care about in His hands? Yes! As well as that which I cannot handle. When I read this scripture, I tend to make it personal – just for me. There are some versions of the Bible that read: Casting all your anxiety… But, I don’t suffer from anxiety, so I prefer the KJV version, cares, because my cares aren’t necessarily your cares, or his cares, or her cares. Still, we all can cast/toss/throw/give them to the Lord, and know that He’s got it, because He loves us!

There is a truth I have come to realize with this verse: it is often easier said than done – giving my baggage to God. What is it about the baggage of our past that is so difficult to release? We know we should let it go. It’s such a nuisance to hold onto, however at times it feels fused to me. It is the absolute worst, lugging that baggage around, day-after-day, time-after-time. There often is no accommodation for the baggage that I carry with me.

I thought I had to do it on my own – drop my baggage – leave it behind. To be quite honest, dragging it around has been weighing me down, and people are beginning to notice – besides, it’s heavy! There are places I cannot go, because, no baggage allowed! Still, I don’t know how to let it go… I don’t know how to be free… If only I had some help…

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

I’ve had the answer all along! There is One who desires to take my baggage and give me so much more! For the hurt and pain He exchanged for joy unspeakable! I had only to be willing and ready to release it ALL to Him! He truly gives BEAUTY for ASHES. I did not realize that that the weight I was carrying was so heavy. What was designed to destroy me – it truly has been turned around for my good. Because He makes all things beautiful.. As I began to praise and worship my King, He removed the heaviness from me. I am so much lighter. The baggage has been removed, there is laughter in my soul, and a song in my heart!

I see now, all that I endured – all that I thought would destroy me, was designed to for His glory to shine. I see now that He knew everything that I would go through when He made me. I was never alone He carried me. Every tear I cried He caught. Each time I felt alone He held me. I had only to trust Him, turn to Him. He has always been here holding me. He has taken it all away. He’s carrying it all for me. Greater things are coming. He is restoring all that was taken. I have only to stay my course.

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