Such a short verse with so much meaning! I have always had an overactive imagination, and I can take one little worry and ramp it up faster than anyone. The road in my brain that goes from a little worry to being put in a casket is like a super highway. I have learned – and am still learning – how to still those scary thoughts and anxieties and give them to God. Easier said than done, especially during a pandemic! But I do treasure the image of casting our cares on Him. 

I looked up the definition of the word cast, and it made me laugh. It means to throw something forcefully. I laughed thinking of poor Jesus being on the receiving end of all my forceful throws! That force is necessary, however – especially for someone like me who can become tied up with anxious thoughts. I really do need to get these forcefully out of my scared little mind. So... how does this actually work?

A character in one of my favorite books, The Scent of Water by E. Goudge, was plagued with crippling anxiety. She was visited one day by a priest who had this advice for her: “There are three necessary prayers, and they have three words each. They are these: ‘Lord have mercy, Thee I adore, Into Thy hands.’ Not difficult to remember. If in times of distress you hold on to these, you will do well.”

I have clung to these three prayers during hard and fearful times, especially the phrase ‘Into Thy Hands.’ I visualize myself putting each and every worry into His hands. I name each one and imagine Jesus taking it. And sometimes I don’t place the anxious thought in His hands, I hurl it.

The best news… He catches all the worries I throw at Him. Why? Because as the verse says, He cares for us. This is pretty incredible – truly an amazing and comforting promise. 

God bless you!

Nina