Every day my mind is full of the cares of this Nation. I also know that I have a choice of how I will handle these cares. I can, along with many of you, quote the Scripture, "cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Here is a question that comes with that passage, "what do I do after I cast them?" The cares continue to swirl around. They continue unabated with the rhythmic crashing of waves as I walk through the day. Evenings roll around, and the cares can take me captive, running tirelessly through my mind. What then do I do?
Daniel walks out the passage in First Peter 5 that directs us to cast our anxieties in chapter 1 of the book he wrote. Daniel chapters 1,3,6 walk out all the questions I need to be answered as I live this life filled with so many cares. The most important line in Daniel chapter 1 is found in verse 8"...Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself..." It is with these words that all that follows begins his example.
"Humble yourselves... under the mighty hand of God..." - Daniel was probably born during the reforms of good King Josiah. The book of Deuteronomy was read to the people and must have made a great impact on Daniel. When taken into captivity, first, we must remember he had to feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. Even with all those possible anxieties, he humbled himself under the might hand of God. Daniel not only purposed not to do something, but he purposed himself toward someone. He purposed himself toward God. The God he knew from the time of the reforms of King Josiah through the time of his captivity.
Peter then tells the church to "be sober-minded." Daniel's mindset was not to be rebellious but to handle his situation with a collected spirit, thoughtfully. Daniel planned how to handle his captors, not in disrespect but watchful. In casting his care, he was given the wisdom to walk through his decision not to sin against God soundly and with honor. He did not demand. He did not scream and holler. He waited until it was time for him to move. The choice when to plead one's cause is made with understanding/discernment and wisdom. That is what comes with humbling oneself and casting one's cares on the Lord. This was not only for Daniel, but it is what God gives to all of us who humble ourselves and cast out anxieties. It is what I know he will give me as I obey him and do exactly as Daniel, "purpose in (my) heart that (I will) not defile (myself)..."
Daniel and his friends faced obstacles that would challenge the strongest Christian. In Daniel chapters 3,6, we see what Peter says, "your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." All this continues even with those who humble themselves and those who cast their cares on the Lord. Cares don't stop, but Daniel teaches us that choosing to "purpose in (my) heart not to defile (myself)..." is a daily purposing. It is to say, "casting your anxieties" is not a one-time thing; it is a pursuit of godliness. It doesn't start with the casting, and it begins with the humbling. Daniel and his friends stood without compromise. That is how a humble man or woman before the Lord will stand. There is grace given to the humble, James 4:6-7.
While the chaos of our Nation spins loudly around me, I asked God, "As I cast these cares on you, Lord," what next? I opened the passage in 1 Peter 5 to read everything that Peter directed. God put on my heart to open to Daniel and study how Daniel, thousands of years earlier, walked out this direction and learn how to "Purpose in (my) heart that (I) will not defile (myself)." Who would have thought Daniel's life as a captive Israelite so many years earlier would be a lesson in "casting my anxieties on him, for he cares for (me)." God has a way of answering questions about his Word through his Word.
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