“If I were in charge, things would be different around here!”  If we haven’t heard it or said it, we have probably thought it.  We really think we know what is best for us, best for others, and best for the world.  We figure that it is pretty safe that in a world like ours there should be no suffering – at least not for the “good” people.  At least not for US!

What makes us think we know best?

God tells us that some humility is called for here, that in fact HE knows best. He says, through His apostle, Peter, in our text for today, 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

He gives similar guidance through Paul, Romans 8:28, 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Again this calls for humility, recognition that the Lord is God and that we are His.  This is a humility that rises from faith, from trust that God is also good to us in Christ Jesus.

The opposite of this humility is pride and arrogance.  It is pride like that shown by the children of Israel as they rebelled against Moses because they didn’t like the hardship they faced after escaping Egypt.  It is pride that is rooted in a lack of faith, a lack of trust in God’s goodness and God’s power.

Where this humility prevails, however, there is peace and rest.  We are invited, 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. And he DOES care for you.  Whatever your suffering may be, it is in the whole scale of things only “a little while.”  After that is the eternal dawn, confirmed by the resurrection of God the Son Himself.

So may we patiently wait for Him!