From Worry to Worship: A 5-Day Devotional by Lekeisha MaldonIhe Atụ

Day 3: It's Time To Release! "…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 AMP One of the key elements of moving from worry to worship is releasing the things that cause us anxiety and fear. Merriam-Webster defines release as freeing oneself from anything that restricts, burdens, or oppresses. Worry is a heavy weight to carry. It affects our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. I can remember getting a massage after having a pretty rough week. The masseuse instantly identified that I carried most of the tension in my neck and shoulders. My physical symptoms were an indication that I needed to let go. According to John 10:10, the thief's mission is to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly. Worry is a tactic of the enemy to distract us from worshiping God and enjoying the abundant life He has promised us. Have you ever considered how much time we've lost worrying about things beyond our control? For me, way too much. Releasing our worries reminds us that God is sovereign over every event of our lives. When we worry, it occupies space in our hearts and minds, preventing us from experiencing the peace that God provides. We have to release to receive. "…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 AMP Receive the care of the Father as we cast our concerns on Him. What a beautiful exchange. The biblical word for cast literally means to throw, hurl, or fling. When I read that, I noticed that it requires effort. It's not a casual handing over but taking whatever burdens your soul and, with force, launching it as far away from you as possible. I picture myself taking my concerns and saying, "Here you go, Lord, that's for you!" Psalm 68:19 (NASB) tells us that God "...daily bears our burdens." Surrender your concerns today, beloved, to the only One who can handle them. What's the worst that could happen? We shed the unnecessary burden that God never intended us to carry. It's time to release friend. It's time to release. Pause. Pray. Reflect. Take a moment to revisit 1 Peter 5:7. Are there any concerns causing you anxiety that you can give to Jesus? Considering He has your best interests at heart, how does this realization shift your perspective on worry?