April 25

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."—1 Peter 5:7.

How highly privileged is the Christian! If his sins are many and great, he receives pardon; if his sorrows are heavy, his supports are divine; if his wants are numerous, his resources are infinite; if his cares are trying, his relief is insured; and there is one above that careth for him. Note here,

A TRUTH IMPLIED. This is three-fold.

Each one has his own peculiar care. It is said, "your care." We are best acquainted with that which forms our own thorn in the flesh, for "the heart knoweth its own bitterness." Our Saviour enjoins us to take up our cross, plainly implying that there is a particular one appointed for each of his disciples.

This care is various. "All your care." How diversified are the subjects of our care and solicitude! They refer to our state before God—our condition in the world—our plans and projects in business—our families, connections, and relatives, and the cause of Christ.

It is too great for us to bear alone. Therefore it is to be cast on God. Human nature is weak, and our graces are imperfect; amidst the numerous cares that press on us, we should sink, but underneath are the everlasting arms.

A DUTY ENJOINED. "Casting all your care upon him." How is this to be done? By acknowledging your weakness—relying on his power—hoping in his mercy, and pleading his promises. "Praying and believing," says Leighton, "are the hands by which the soul can turn over to God what it cannot bear."

THE ENCOURAGEMENT GIVEN. "He careth for you." Four things prove this.

The gracious work he has performed in you. Could he furnish you with a greater evidence of his love than by implanting his grace in your hearts?

The past kindness he has shown you. In your wanderings he has brought you back—in you trials he has supported you; when clouds of guilt and fear overcast your sky, he dispersed them, and shone upon you with his radiant beams.

The present comforts he confers on you. He gives you the olive-branch of peace, which calms you in the almost overwhelming deluge of human life; he plants the tree of hope in the very bosom of despondency; and causes the flower of joy to bloom, among the thorns and briars of the wilderness.

The future prospects he has set before you. He not only insures you his presence in your journey through the vale of life, but a safe passage over the swellings of Jordan, and a happy entrance into the land of Canaan. With such encouragements, how can you yield to fear?