He cares

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you. 1P 5:7.

With all the busy-ness, distractions, work, schedules, activities, sports, get togethers and more, do we ever get frustrated? Ever become so focused on a personal agenda that the spiritual life and perspective suffers? What a loving, patient God that bears with so many wanderings - such frequent neglect. The verse came at a time when it was really needed. It serves both as a warning and a comfort. Down with the personal, prideful, self-serving desires. God breaks the pride of those he loves by withholding their joy and peace and sending trials that work in us his glory and our good.

The verse offers both a comfort and a warning. A comfort that humility and confession will be met with God's grace. It's also a command which may not be ignored. Recently a friend bodly warned and encourged me in this matter. I have to say thanks. We can't pull ourselves out of our troubles, but one thing I know. Persisting in the means of grace - reading God's word, prayer, and receiving counsel is blessed by God. Read and pray - especially during those times when you don't feel like it. A follower of Christ who continually scurries off to fight his own little battles along the way, dropping his sword, setting down his shield for the weight of it, leaving his helmet because of the heat is continually returning with wounds and scars that he might have avoided.