Verse by Verse Commentary by Dr. Grant C. Richison

“Be anxious for nothing”

I Peter 5:7 is a parallel verse to Philippians 4:6, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” The word “care” is the same word as our word “anxious.” We are to cast our anxiety upon the Lord. Unload it all.

The key word in I Peter 5:7 is the word “for.” “For” means “because.” The reason we can cast is because we know God cares about us. Casting in itself does not relieve worry. The reason we cast is the point of the verse. Knowledge of God’s care allows us to cast.

“Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;

He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Ps 55:22). The psalmist saw that there are things too great for us to carry. David referred to those things as “burdens.” He never denied that trouble would come. He only asserted what to do when trouble comes. The child of God is to transfer that burden upon the Lord.

“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass (Ps. 37:1-5). Committing one’s way to the Lord is the same as “casting.” The word “commit” means to “roll off.” Let your burdens roll onto the Lord. This is the picture of a man carrying a great load. It is too heavy for him. He needs to let it roll off him onto the Lord. Faith believes God capable to bear what we cannot. He will, if we give him the opportunity.