Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” -1 Peter 5:7

This week, I’m breaking down this one verse word by word, phrase by phrase, in the hopes that it lingers in our minds in the best kind of way. This is the third installment.

“…your worries and cares…”

Give all your worries and cares to God…. even though they’ve been “yours.”

I know, your first instinct is to reject the notion that you’d claim worry or anxiety as your own.

“I don’t want this! It’s brutal. It paralyzes me. I hate it!”

Yes, but it’s familiar. Don’t hate me… but it’s your mode of operating. You’re used to it. Even though it’s agony, it’s strangely comfortable because it’s what you know and it’s gives you a sense of control. The world is out of control, but in your mind, you think you’re bringing yourself a sense of control by agonizing over all the possibilities.

If not you, who else will? Right?

But it’s not working. And it’s hurting you.

Like imaginary friends in the corner of your beautiful mind, look at your anxieties and tell them you don’t need them any more. Honor your brain for being so diligent and resourceful. And then give it a break.

If you’re in the security business or a parent around a pool, you know how to turn it on when you need it. But you also can learn to turn it off when you don’t.

Give all your worries and cares to God. Especially the ones that have become so normal. You think they’re yours—just part of who you are. Not any more.

Free is possible. Bit by bit. Thought by thought. Moment by moment.

There’s a little more peace for you today, It’s possible. Peace, too, can be yours.