BEHIND THE SCENES:

What's Inside May's "Lemonade Reminders" Christian Subscription Box for Women (+ Why I Chose It)

The Story Behind May's Design: “Cast your Cares on Him”

I have fond memories of the Gulf Coast. The ocean is actually one of my favorite places to visit. God has used the Gulf of Mexico to teach me many valuable spiritual lessons about life.

I remember being in Mississippi watching my brother in law take a very large net that was attached to a rope and throw it into the ocean. There were small weights attached all the way around the perimeter of the large circle shaped net. After the net hit the water it sank.

My brother in law waited a moment and then used the rope to slowly begin pulling the net back up out of the water. As he pulled, the once flat net transformed into a bag shape and to his delight, there were shrimp & fish flopping around in the net. He looked at me with a big grin and handed me the net.

“Here give it a try!” To my surprise, I could barely hold the net, it was so heavy! I had no idea it would weigh so much. He instructed me on how to throw the net. He explained that the process is actually called “casting”. He helped me cast the net into the water. I was even more surprised how hard it was to pull the net back in. I could barely pull it in. This is such a special memory, and it even has spiritual life lessons attached.

When reading this verse from 1 Peter 5:7...

I love reading the Amplified Bible version. When you read it, imagine yourself standing on the edge of the ocean and taking a heavy fishing net and “casting” it into the ocean!

Now, look at how the writer expounds on the words “your cares”: All your anxieties - All your worries - All your concerns.

Can you visualize your net filled with ALL your anxieties, and ALL your worries and ALL your concerns?

Then imagine yourself picking up the net of “your cares” and casting it, once and for all, on Him. The net alone is heavy, isn’t it? Then when you add all those cares, it will be even heavier. This visual helps me understand why it is often so difficult for me to “cast my cares on Him”.

It’s certainly not an excuse to not take the step, but it’s a reminder to show myself some grace and it’s also a reminder to ask for help! My brother in law reached over and helped me pick up the net AND he helped me cast the net into the ocean.

Jesus is right there beside me.

Guess what? Jesus is right there beside me. He’s ready to help me pick up my net and He will even help me cast it!
Now read the next part of the verse to see why He is willing to do this.

“He cares for you affectionately and He cares for you watchfully”.

Oh, friend, what an incredible gift!
Because my brother in law cared about me, he not only wanted to teach me a new skill, but he also wanted to help me accomplish it so that I could experience the joy and excitement of casting the net.

Before he handed me that net, he knew I would strain to hold it, much less cast it. He was watchfully ready to step in and help. He had a huge grin when he saw my excitement in actually casting it and pulling in a few treasures!

Jesus sees the weight of your struggles.

I believe when He says “cast your cares”, He already knows the great amount of effort it will take you to even take the first step and put the cares into the net. He is standing nearby, patiently waiting to help you lift the net and cast it!

I believe He will take great joy in helping you and seeing you successfully releasing those cares into the ocean of His great Love and care.

He delights in and affectionately cares for - you.

Sincerely, 

Pam Coxwell | From the Heart Art