“Because I said so!” Oh how those words bring back childhood memories for many of us. Or if you’re a parent, this response may have leaked out in a moment of frustration in the absence of a better explanation. Typically, the word “because” follows a command of some sort, and serves as the briefest answer to the “why” question. When we use “because I said so” to pacify an argumentative child, we may stop the argument, but we don’t necessarily stop his hurting emotions.
Like a child, we often question God about the “why” of our circumstances. Most likely we would not be satisfied if He yelled to us in response, “Because I said so!” We’d continue to be plagued by worries about our families, our finances, our jobs, our married life, our single life, or our future life. Scriptures tell us to turn all these questions and worry over to God, but why? The Apostle Peter makes the answer crystal clear- because God cares for us.
We can find hope in 1 Peter 5:7~
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Life Application~
Having been imprisoned and beaten for his faith, Peter empathized with others who suffered. He encountered people filled with anxiety about losing their property and losing their lives. He encourages them (and us) to “stand firm in the faith” when faced with adversity. We do this when we lighten up our load by giving our worries to God. If we do this not just because we are told to, but because we truly believe God cares for us, then we are free to trust his motives and intentions for us. This ultimately leads us to worry less as we trust Him more with control over our lives.
Prayer~
Heavenly Father, thank you for caring about me enough to take on the weight of my worry. I sometimes forget you already know how it all turns out, and that you work all things together for my good. I trust You because you care, and like a good Father, you want what’s best for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By: Angel Slawinski
