Day 6: Embrace a Theology of Suffering

Anxiety doesn’t always vanish when we do the “right things.”

We can pray, give thanks, focus on truth, and still feel overwhelmed. Why?

Because we live in a broken world. And sometimes, peace doesn’t come by escaping pain, it comes by walking with God through it.

Peter understood this. That’s why, in 1 Peter 5:6–9, he echoes Paul’s call to prayer—then goes deeper:

“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

Picture this: taking what weighs you down and throwing it into God’s hands. Not hiding it. Not pretending it’s not there. But casting it. Because the Creator of the universe cares for you.

But there’s a condition in the verse right before:

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God…”

1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)

We cast our cares as an act of humility. Pride whispers, “You can handle it.” Pride makes us stuff it down or numb it with distractions. But humility says, “God, I can’t carry this. I need You.”

Peter continues:

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion…”

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

Unchecked anxiety doesn’t just make us feel bad, it makes us vulnerable.

When we refuse to surrender our fears to God, we open the door for the enemy to feed us lies, isolate us, and choke out the fruit of God's Word. Jesus warned of this in Matthew 13:22:

“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Matthew 13:22 (ESV)

But Peter doesn’t stop with a warning. He offers perspective:

“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brothers throughout the world.”

1 Peter 5:9 (ESV)

Here’s what he’s saying: suffering is normal.

The peace and prosperity we’ve known in the West is not the global or historical norm. Jesus promised:

"In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 (ESV)

But He also said:

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.”

John 16:1(ESV)

Pain isn’t a detour, it’s part of the path.

Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow in Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:38). Paul said he “despaired of life itself” — 2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV).

If they struggled, we will too.

But here’s the hope: God doesn’t abandon us in our suffering. He meets us there.

Some things can only be learned through suffering:

“Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

James 1:2–3 (ESV)

We are invited into a deeper connection with Christ through our suffering:

“…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings…”

Philippians 3:10 (ESV)

When people wrongly believe that following Jesus removes life’s problems, they’re set up for disillusionment. And more anxiety.

That’s why we must embrace this truth:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23 (ESV)

Jesus did what His flesh didn’t want to do. He took up His cross. And He calls us to do the same: to daily surrender, daily suffer, and daily follow.

Because here’s the paradox... When we come to the end of ourselves, that’s when Jesus can live through us.

God cannot fill what has not been emptied. Suffering is one of the ways He empties us of self so we can be filled with His Spirit.

Reflection Questions

• Are you carrying any anxiety alone because of pride or fear?
• What would it look like to cast your cares on God today—fully and honestly?
• How might suffering in your life be an opportunity to be emptied of self and filled with Him?