God's Solicitude

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. I Peter 5:7 (KJV)

Armed with five Bible translations, a Thesaurus, and a couple dictionaries I decided to dig through this verse to find the treasure. It is rich with meaning and has spoken volumes to my heart. To think that I can hand over to God anything and everything that has me in turmoil with the realization that He is interested in me and I matter to Him, leaves me feeling cared for and carried.

Often times our English words are so broad that we can lose their full impact. My cares are my anxieties, worries, concerns, heartaches, turmoil, and burdens. They weigh me down, slow me down, and confine me. They consume my thoughts, deplete my energy, and hold me prisoner. Freedom comes when I realize I can give them over to God because He is attentive to my needs. His care is not one of worry and distress, but rather an affectionate, watchful solicitude. He has thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward me. Pictures of a mother hen with her chicks or a young mother with an infant come to mind. God’s tenderness astounds me!

It is this truth that will stick with me on days when I feel rejected, abandoned, misunderstood, or unloved. When those who at one time seemed close and caring but now seem distant. When the shoulders that use to be places of refuge have become cold and unavailable. When it feels like the welcome mats to hearts have been pulled in and the door of friendship has slammed shut. When I feel untouchable to the ones who use to embrace me, accept me, and affirm me. In all those times and more, I can now hold to the truth that God Himself hovers over me with tremendous affection, compassion, and fondness. He is always ready to heal my broken heartedness, bandage up my wounded spirit, and release me from all that is troubling my mind.
Tears really can give way to joy as I enter into His rest, His arms, and His compassion. What is given to Him is never rejected. What is spoken to Him is always heard. No one but God can own such acclaim. I not only bow to Him, I hide in Him.

When I fail to see this about God, I so easily view Him as a last resort when I am hurting, worried, or fearful. May I now see Him as my ONLY resort. The One I can run to with confidence.

Father, I am learning to see You with outstretched arms ready to receive my heavy heart and troubled mind. Thank you for such love! Amen.