First Peter 5:6-10
Introduction
The context of this book is frightening. Peter’s flock were refugees from persecution under Nero. They fled Rome to save their lives but left their lives (homes and livelihoods) behind. What was their tendency? The same as it was for many Americans, considering the red map of America leading up to the election this fall.
They saw God allowing bad things to happen. Most Americans were anxious as they watched the price of everything accelerating upwards. Unfortunately, Peter’s flock and Americans were practicing the strategy of anxiety, which only yields more anxiety. Whether giving into cutting to relieve the stress of emotional pain, yielding to masturbation to overcome the fear of resisting it, or using the strategy of anxiety to overcome any anticipated struggle, this strategy does not work. It only magnifies discomfort.
This is true for two reasons. First, it is sin. Second, it does not lead to resolution. In the case of Pete’s flock, the anxiety was food, shelter, and clothing, but the principle applies everywhere. So, what does Peter write to them? He instructs them in an anti-anxiety strategy and, in the process, provides a universal set of seven interlocking steps to defuse the natural tendency to be anxious and extrapolate it into a self-defeating strategy.
How to Help People with This Passage
Many times, I coach people through this text. Anyone in their shoes would experience anxiety. They were finite people. They needed to sustain life and were concerned about how they would do so. It is at this juncture that the Christian has a choice. He can engage in the strategy of anxiety, which only accelerates, or he can choose to exercise concern. Peter teaches the latter. But rather than just declare this to people, I coach them through this passage so that they can appreciate the plan for themselves and often help them engage in practical implementation. There are numerous supporting texts throughout the Bible. The two most often used along with this passage are Philippians 4:4-9 and Matthew 6:16-34.
Steps of Using This Tool
First, the solution begins with human responsibility: humble yourself. This command implies that it is something a person can choose to do.
Second, where to humble yourself. Note that he does not say God, Jesus, or even the Holy Spirit. He instead uses the verbal picture under the Mighty Hand of God (the all-powerful God).
Third, trust God, who will take on the burden of your need (problem) in due time (His timing).
Fourth, cast all your cares or concerns [that is, temptations, whether anxiety or some other concerns] on Him (the God with the mighty hand).
Fifth, be alert for two reasons:
1) To be sober-minded, to think as Peter laid out for them in this book.
2) The Devil will attack you at your weak point, so be ready to meet the challenge.
Sixth, Resist Him—how?
1) Stand firm in your faith (regardless of how hard it gets (in their case, hungry, cold, new job, etc.), and trust God to take care of you.
2) Remember, you are not alone.
Seventh, rest in this assurance: God has called you, and He (the one with the mighty hand) will restore and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. He is dependable, so depend on Him. Yes, use your mind and guard your emotions. For these people, that would mean managing their water supply, reasonably rationing food (that is being concerned), but ultimately depending upon God to come through for them and not be running scenarios of catastrophes and getting themselves all worked up.
Conclusion
The Apostle Paul gives a very good summary of how we should see anxiety-producing events in our lives. He wrote, being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6)
Implementation
Act obediently in response to what God says, not according to what you feel. Do not keep running scenarios of the worst possible outcomes through your minds or to one another. This is the very thing about which he warns his flock not to become prey. An anxiety strategy is a satanic strategy. Peter’s instruction is to resist Satan by counseling (talking) to yourself using the Word of God as your two-edged sword as your defense. Don’t listen to your old self’s lies. They come from Satan or corrupted culture.