Column by Manning Pastor Sam Livingston: Don't let daily cares and worries rob you of rest and peace
I want to thank everyone who has emailed me and shared with me that these devotions are a blessing and have been a help to them. It is the desire of this preacher and our church family that you receive spiritual help as a result of this ministry.
The devotion on my heart for today is "God Wants Your Cares," and my text is found in 1 Peter 5:7, where we see these words, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (KJV) The Psalmist David also penned the same thought in Psalm 55:22 as he states, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (KJV)
The cares or burdens that many are carrying on a daily basis can be overwhelming to them! Many precious people are experiencing restless nights because their cares won't leave them alone. Many are troubled every minute of their day, concerned about what the future holds for them.
Let me say for those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you have someone who wants your cares because you matter to Him! Just because a person is saved and endeavors to walk with God, it doesn't mean that they will not have cares, burdens, problems or even tragedies to invade their heart and life.
But what a comfort it is to know that our Savior "sees us" and He "cares for us." Our Lord is so great that He created the innumerable galaxies, which are but a small part of His awesome creative power, and yet our Lord can hear our prayer to Him, our whisper of grief and even the silent thought that crosses our mind. In Psalm 34:15, we read these words, "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." (KJV)
Let me assure you that even though we may not have a carefree life, that we may be experiencing hardships and the society that we live in may drastically change for the worse and not the better, one thing is sure, and that is that our Savior will never abandon His children.
When the cares of this life abound and burdens try to choke the very life out of our soul, may we flee to God's Word for peace, comfort and encouragement. Please hear more inspired words from the Psalmist David in Psalm 16:8-9 as he writes, "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." (KJV)
Don't allow the cares and burdens in your life to rob you of the rest and peace that your Lord and Savior desires for you as His child. Your Savior wants your cares, and He will supply everything you need in His perfect time.
Dr. Joey Durham is pastor at Open Bible Baptist Church at 180 Old Manning Road in Sumter. You can contact Pastor Durham at durham.joey@yahoo.com or call the church office at (803) 481-9315.