Consider Your Ways (Part 2)

Yesterday we learned that the Lord is requiring us to work with Him in assessing what we are doing and how closely aligned we are to His heart and His plans. Today we continue that reflection through the lens of the Holy Spirit as we dig further into 1 Peter 5, looking at the remaining verses 7 – 11. As we consider our ways, today we look more intently at how we consider the cares of this world in light of who Christ is and what He requires of us.

Activation:

Vs 7 – “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you”

Take a moment to sit in this verse. What anxieties are you carrying that should be handed over to the Lord? Because He cares so deeply for you, He wants to be the one to carry them. As you read this verse imagine God removing your burdens and exchanging them for the peace that comes from surrendering to His care. Allow this lightness to rest on you as you hand over all the heaviness you are carrying.

Vs 8-9 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

Allow the Lord to search your heart and reveal areas where you may have become intoxicated, distracted, or indifferent toward worldly things. Consider how this might expose you to unnecessary attacks. What are some ways you can stand firm in your faith to resist the influence of the wicked one?

In James 4:7 (ESV), we find the instruction: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Ask the Lord to show you what this looks like for you and identify the areas in your life that are not fully submitted to Him.

Vs 10-11 – “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Consider the promises that are listed in these verses. Ask the Lord to reveal what that will look like for you specifically. As He does this, allow the hope of our eternal salvation and glory in Christ to encourage your heart. Praise him for his supremacy above all things.