“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

For our fourth Sabbath in our Lenten journey we have an opportunity to evaluate our anxiety levels.   Worry and stress are the arch enemies of Sabbath.  We can never enjoy genuine rest while we are holding onto the cares of this world.  So, considering the most recent crisis of a worldwide pandemic piled on top of a world that is fractured by sin and pride, how can we find this rest?  How can we experience the Sabbath that God extends to us in a world up to its’ neck in anxiety? 

Surely, this is not the first time that the world has been in crisis.  Do we put Sabbath on hold until we can see the light at the end of the tunnel?  Do we wait for the dust to settle and then turn to God for restoration?  Or…is Sabbath exactly what we need in this moment!  A pause amid the chaos to remember who is in control.  A holy oasis where we drink the refreshing water of our faith.  A quiet time in the middle of a noisy world where we bow before the God who promised that He would always take care of us and never leave us or forsake us.  Yes, Sabbath is exactly what we need today! 

In the parable of the soils, Jesus talks about the seed (Word of God) that falls among the thorns which represents the worries and cares of this world.   He says that these will choke out the productivity of the seed in the life of the believer. Jesus knows that this world has anxiety. He knows that we will be burdened by the things in life, but Jesus did not only diagnose the problem… He gave us the answer,

“Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Paul’s remedy was this,

“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7)

Are you feeling “choked” or smothered by what’s going on in our world today?  Peter knew about anxiety and gives the advice in today’s Scripture, give it to God.   In other words…let go and let God!  He cares for you and He is big enough to take on your heaviest burdens.  Try to experience sabbath today and allow your mind to be refreshed by God’s all sufficient grace.