08.30.05

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care (anxiety - NIV) upon Him, for He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7.

I have been watching some of the rescues being made of people stranded by the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina. Many, including entire families, are being rescued from their rooftops by Coast Guard and National Guard helicopters and crews. It appears that many cut their way through the roof of their home to escape the rising water and most have been waiting for help for many hours.

It is fascinating to watch the rescues with some helicopters being equipped with a metal basket, which is lowered by cable. A crew member first descends to the roof where the people are waiting and then one person at a time must climb into the basket and be raised to safety up to the helicopter. I am sure it is frightening and in fact is dangerous with fallen power lines around. Sometimes it takes several tries for the basket to actually be lowered close enough for the crew member to safely grab it.

The first verse that came to my mind while I was watching the rescue was 1 Peter 5:7 because the rescues appear to be similar to what we need to do spiritually. Peter says we should cast all of our “cares” or “anxieties” upon God. Why? Because He cares for us.

What are some of the cares or anxieties that you have? Are you worried about something? Are you depressed? Do you have financial problems, job problems, family problems, or an addiction? Whatever the care or anxiety God calls upon us to place those spiritual burdens upon Him. How do we do that? It is very similar to the actions of the person being rescued from the flood waters. You could say that God is holding the basket. We must place ourselves along with all of our cares and anxieties into that basket and trust that God will be able to carry the load. We must sever our trust upon our own abilities and trust God to do what we are unable to do.

It sounds easy enough, however, for many there is a problem and that problem is pride. It is difficult for so many to admit that they need help even if it is to God that they admit it. It takes some humility to get into that basket as Peter writes, “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”.

We would think that it was very foolish if someone stranded on one of the rooftops with water rising to refuse to get into the basket, to refuse to be rescued because they want to rescue themselves. We would think that was so very sad and foolish. But that is what we are doing when we refuse to allow God to help us. Cast all of your cares and anxieties upon God because He does care about you and He has the power to help. Get into the basket!