I’ve always struggled with the whole “let go and let God” catchphrase. I’m not some cartoon with literal baggage that I can take off my shoulders and lay at the footstool of the Almighty. I have experienced major depression, and it’s not like casting my burdens unto Jesus magically relieved me of my condition. So what is the scripture getting at when we hear things like “Cast your anxieties upon the Lord for he cares for you”? Well, the context for that scripture is rooted in a call to be both humble and alert. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” How can you say that after telling me to cast my anxieties upon the Lord? Not only do I have the worlds problems and my own existential dread to carry, but now you’re telling me that I have an enemy prowling like a lion to devour me? Sheesh!
I think this Scripture is encouraging us, recognizing that there is much cause for anxiety. Your anxiety isn’t made up or trivial. It’s not unusual for you to carry that weight. Casting your anxieties upon the Lord is not a magic incantation to suddenly stop caring about what’s going on in the world. It’s trusting that with everything that is wrong, God is bigger, God is good, and God is victorious. For me, letting go of anxiety is a process of self-care. I can’t just flip a switch. I have to meditate on the goodness of God. I have to systematically express my concerns to God. I have to pause from the constant barrage of news and read words of assurance from the great spiritual authors. I have to walk my dog and play with my cat. I have to go swimming with my kids and reach out to the students I work with to check in on them. This is how I begin to “let go and let God.”
I get irritated with gospel music that tells me to just smile through the pain. I don’t believe the scripture calls for a blind positivity. There’s too much lament, too many cries of “How long O Lord?” I think those cries are a sign of casting your burdens unto the Lord, because you’re putting it back on God to make things right. I’d like to leave you with a hymn from Charles Wesley titled “I Will Fear No Evil, For Thou Art With Me.”
1 Peace! doubting heart; my God’s I am;
Who formed me man, forbids my fear;
The Lord hath called me by my name;
The Lord protects, for ever near;
His blood for me did once atone.
And still He loves and guards His own.2 When passing through the watery deep,
I ask in faith His promised aid,
The waves an awful distance keep,
And shrink from my devoted head;
Fearless their violence I dare;
They cannot harm, for God is there!3 To Him mine eye of faith I turn,
And through the fire pursue my way;
The fire forgets its power to burn,
The lambent flames around me play;
I own His power, accept the sign,
And shout to prove the Saviour mine.4 When darkness intercepts the skies,
And sorrow’s waves around me roll,
When high the storms of passion rise,
And half o’erwhelm my sinking soul,
My soul a sudden calm shall feel,
And hear a whisper, “Peace: be still!”5 Still near me, O my Saviour, stand!
And guard in fierce temptation’s hour;
Hide in the hollow of Thy hand;
Show forth in me Thy saving power;
Still be Thy arms my sure defence;
Nor earth nor hell shall pluck me thence.