1 Peter 5:6-11
Therefore humble yourselves under God’s powerful hand so that he may lift you up at the appointed time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Have sound judgment. Be alert. Your adversary, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him by being firm in the faith. You know that the same kinds of sufferings are being laid on your brotherhood all over the world. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are not in this alone, and we should not be anxious about anything. We might feel like it is us against the world, but you remind us the same kind of suffering is happening worldwide. You tell us to throw our anxiety on you. Why? Because when we get wrapped up in the stress of our daily lives, we lose focus on you. Our minds want to tell us how weak and vulnerable we are, and somehow we have to fix ourselves. The Devil acts like a lion trying to exploit weakness—our self-centeredness and lack of focus on you. Lord, when the anxieties of this world get us down, it is your hand that lifts us up, and when we humble ourselves to your care, it is you that protects us. What can Satan do to us? You remind us we are on this earth only for a little while; then you call us home to be with you. Because of what Jesus has done for us, he has given us our eternal life by removing our sin forever. Humility is the realization we cannot save ourselves; we come by faith in Jesus, trusting his grace and mercy. Because of Jesus’ love, we have been restored to you; Jesus has established our salvation by removing our sins. He also strengthens us and supports our trust in you, so we will remain faithful until we get to your eternal glory. Thank you for lifting us up and letting us know we are not alone. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
Remain humble, knowing you cannot save yourself; your salvation is all because of Jesus. Therefore, remain alert, focused on Christ.