Lifted Up

Introduction

We live in an anxious world. In the realm of mental health, it is said that over 19 million Americans between the ages of 18–54 suffer some sort of anxiety disorder including: PTSD, OCD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. But beyond the mental health field, a sense of worry and anxiousness serves as a foundation for many of us. In fact, women are twice as likely as men to worry and be anxious. Anxiety is the most common complaint from people over the age of 65. This sense of fear, apprehension, and worry lead many to feelings of despair and constant inner turmoil. Anxiety is so prevalent in our society that statistical information is given almost monthly about how Americans feel about our country economically, politically, and confidence in the future. When things are good, the numbers go up and when things are not good, then consumer confidence erodes.

Anxiety is not new. Jesus knew that anxiety existed and yet still told his disciples that while troubles would come he was Lord over all troubles. Paul knew about anxiety writing to the church in Philippi not to be anxious but instead pray and God would bring peace. It isn’t the 21st century that has a corner market on anxiety. I am undoubtedly speaking to people who are anxious about something in this life. It seems that life is filled with anxious moments and situations that demand our energy and attention leading to anxiety. My point today is not to talk you out of anxiety, but to give you a biblical perspective found in Peter’s last chapter of his first letter. This section often focuses on leadership and we will not ignore that subject, but Peter has something which coincides with leadership which he brings to everyone’s attention—give your anxiety away. Let’s be encouraged.

The Text

I want to begin in the middle of this text and work out in both directions. Look at verse 5. There is a clue word that helps us understand this section. It is the phrase “in the same way” as translated in the NIV or “likewise” as translated in the KJV. This tells us what Peter’s emphasis is. Having addressed elders, Peter turns to the young men and tells them “in the same way” be submissive. This is the same word that Peter has used in 3:1 when addressing how wives are to be submissive to their husbands. That text comes in a section about submission in reference to government and masters. The same word is also used in 3:7 to speak to how husbands are to treat their wives. The idea of submission continues although the word submission itself is not used. Yet, in 5:5 the word is used in connection with submission. What is Peter doing in this text?

I am suggesting that this idea of submission is occurring again. In this case, however, submission is directly referenced for the younger men in connection with elders but it also applies to elders. Notice that Peter gives three reasons why elders are to serve as overseers. Overseers in this text means to care so deeply about some responsibility that you are willing to suffer for it. Elders are to oversee because they are willing. Second, elders are to oversee because they are eager to serve. Set in opposition to greed, the idea is that elders are willing to serve at their own peril. Third, elders are to oversee as examples to all. Set in opposition to “lording it over” the flock, elders are to be examples of submission. Wouldn’t this be the opposite of lording over? Peter says to the elders that they are to show the flock how to submit at personal peril for the benefit of the flock not their own benefit.

Now the “in the same way” makes sense. Just as elders are demonstrating by example their own submission, these young men are to submit to the elders. Given the situation, this attitude was needed to endure. Persecution is often met with criticism and complaining. Young tend to criticize the older. The older tend to criticize the young. There is no place for such in God’s kingdom. Young and old must learn to submit to one another because we are learning to honor the Chief Shepherd.

So Peter moves to what it will take for all to learn this attitude and characteristic of God’s people: humility. That characteristic which is difficult to define but easy to know when it is seen. Walter Cronkite, the voice of American news for so many years, tells this story about humility and ego. Notice how Peter pairs this idea of humility with anxiety. “Humble yourself and God will lift you up. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Humility and anxiety are intertwined.

Peter’s point is that practicing humility means that we trust God to lift us up in his time. Thus, we can place our anxiety on him. Remaining anxious demonstrates that we are not humble. We want to take control. We want to be in charge. Peter says that humility places all things in God’s hands. Notice the word that Peter uses in verse 7—it is the word “cast.” A wonderful word that means to throw off with a sudden motion. There is no lingering. It is to throw all those things that cause anxiety on God. It isn’t easy, but to hold on to that which produces anxiety means that we lose the opportunity to be lifted up.

And then Peter completes this section with a reminder that Satan is alive and well and looking for ways to derail them and their faith. He reminds them that others are suffering just as they are. And then he reminds them that the time is coming when God will after suffering bring strength and victory. So what are we to learn?

Application

Humble yourself and allow God to handle your anxious thoughts. Easier said than done. How do we do that? I would suggest that this is done in the mind first and then actions will follow. Let me give you a practical approach to producing humility in your life and giving God your anxieties.

First, meditate on some simple truths. To meditate means that we spend time thinking on certain thoughts. We reflect on these thoughts and allow these truthful thoughts to be pervasive in mind, heart and life. Here are the thoughts: God is in control. It isn’t about me, it’s about God. I am God’s instrument. God can and will use me when I submit to him.

We begin the day thinking these things. We end the day thinking these things. We go to lunch thinking these things. We drive our car thinking these things. Every opportunity we have we give our mind to these thoughts. Why? Because these are thoughts of humility. Before you think this is psychobabble, let me show you a couple of texts. Psalm 19:14 says, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. Psalm 1:2 says his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 104:34 says may my meditation be pleasing to him as I rejoice in the Lord. Joshua 1:8 says do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Meditation isn’t new, but for many of us it is a lost practice.

Second, pray for humility. Take those thoughts and pray about your desire to have them in your life. Pray for faith.

Third, throw your anxieties to God. You can do this a number of ways. You can write them down and wad them up and throw them away. You can take an anxiety and throw it toward God. You can do this mentally. Casting these anxieties to God takes a quick action.

Fourth, find someone to share your anxieties and allow them to help you be the hands and words of God. Follow through with Peter’s earlier words. Learn to be submissive.

Finally, fight for victory. This process is neither easy nor once for all time event. Anxiety is a part of our lives and we will find more and more things to be anxious about.

As we close this letter, let me remind you to keep your eyes on him who will restore you and make you strong. He has all power. We are in comparison powerless.

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