For the Christian whom knows the indescribable power of God, it is surely a frightening thing for God to be against you. But this is exactly the warning we receive in the verse that precedes 1 Peter 5:6-7, admonishing Christians to clothe themselves in humility towards everyone, “For God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Rather than be opposed by God, I would prefer to receive more grace from him.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”-1 Peter 5:6-7
It is because God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble that Christians are commanded to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God; the same mighty hand that is represented throughout Scripture by both discipline and deliverance. Since the command to “humble yourselves” may also be translated as “allow yourself to be humbled,” Christians are to allow themselves to be humbled by both God’s discipline and God’s deliverance. This can prove to be quite the task since hardly any person enjoys being reproved, rebuked, corrected, or outright disciplined, especially when God’s hand can weigh heavily on a person in sin and even zap them of their strength (Job 30:21). But what about the circumstance of a Christian trying to faithfully endure unjust suffering, just as the recipients of Peter’s letter were? Such suffering may seem pointlessly cruel at times, if we were not left with the insight that such suffering is allowed by God to strengthen our faith with the goal of resulting in future praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Christ (1 Peter 1:7); an admirable goal worthy of us committing ourselves to, linked to a hope in Christ and His faithfulness to His promises that will surely not disappoint. It is only through this hope in Christ and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises that we can trust that both His discipline and deliverance are done in love, with a purpose, and with a reward in mind. So whether you are experiencing the heavy hand of God’s discipline or the wondrous beauty of God’s majestic deliverance through tough times, humble yourselves by accepting whatever happens to you under God’s sovereign rule. We do this so that God may exalt us, not in our own timetable, but at the proper time—God’s timing.
How is the discipline of garnering ourselves with humility accomplished? We are not left without an answer—cast all your anxiety on Him. When you have exhausted all your energy trying to actualize your God-given potential, gifting, and talents, and are wondering if God has forgotten or forsaken you, cast all your cares, thoughts, worries, wishes, hopes, dreams, and disappointments on Him; literally “throw them” on Him. When you thought that at this time in your life you would be more active or fruitful in God’s kingdom, cast all your anxiety on Him. When you think that you have endured unjust ridicule, chastisement, or persecution for you faith in Christ for so long that you don’t think you can handle any more any longer, pour your heart out before God. Why? Because He cares for you. He knows every trial you are enduring, every hurt and disappointment that lays heavy in your heart, every aspiration and hope you have for you life, and every desire to do great things for His kingdom; But more importantly, He has not forgotten you, nor will He ever forsake you, and He cares deeply for you. Never forget that. Humble yourself by casting all your anxiety on Him, so that He may exalt you at the proper time. In the meantime, continue to trust in Christ and place your hope in Him, for He is faithful.
by Cameron Penrose
CCBS Student