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How to Stop Striving & Find True Rest: A Reflection on 1 Peter 5:7
I thought I needed more effort… when I actually needed to surrender.
I didn’t notice when it started to happen… from trusting the Lord, to feeling the pressure. From a path of peace to a state of constant striving. I went from simply walking with God to trying to outrun uncertainty on my own.
It didn’t feel wrong at first. In fact, it felt responsible. I told myself that if I just worked harder and put in more effort, I would finally feel secure in this creative journey. But the weight of it all caught up to me. I began to feel the tension of always trying to hold everything together, needing things to work out my way just for me to feel okay.
Eventually, I had to pause and ask myself: When did this become something I was carrying all alone?
That question led me straight back to the heart of 1 Peter 5:7:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Dropping the Weight
When God’s Word says to cast all your anxiety on Him, it means the dreams you’re unsure about, the timelines you can’t control, the pressure you feel to keep up, and the fear that you might get it all wrong. None of it was ever meant to sit on your shoulders.
God isn’t asking you to prove yourself through exhaustion. Instead, He’s inviting you to trust Him through surrender.
I’m learning that letting go isn’t the same as giving up. It’s simply returning things to the One who actually sees the full picture… the One who isn’t rushed by time, and who has never once been unsure of how my life will unfold. I can loosen my hold on what I can’t control and trust Him with all that’s on my heart`.
Behind the Art: Finding Rest in the Current
When creating this hand-drawn modern Christian art, I wanted to capture the visual, blissful and peaceful feeling of letting go. I used a mixed-media torn paper collage junk journal aesthetic because life often feels like a collection of different layers, and God is the one who holds it all together.
Inspired by the summer season, seaside, and calm waves, I chose to illustrate ocean coastal beach animals and nature doodles:
- Manta Ray with a Little Bow: I went to the aquarium awhile ago and was in awe of how effortlessly manta rays seem to glide through the water. They simply move with the current. Adding a cute bow keeps it playful, reminding me that resting in God brings a lighthearted joy.
- Fishes and Seashell Treasures: I used to search for seashells all the time when I head to the beach – they’re truly precious collectibles! These fishes remind me of peace when I’m choosing to flow with Him, and these seashells suggest the good that God always has in store for me because He loves me.
- Palm Tree: A palm tree can withstand storms without breaking. It’s a beautiful picture of what happens when we lean on His strength and stay rooted in His Word.
Hand-lettering the faith affirmation quote “let go & let god, He knows what’s best” in a whimsical doodle style was my way of letting His peace be louder than my fear. It’s a reminder to myself to labor into His rest.
You Were Never Meant to Carry It All
If you’ve been feeling that same weight lately… the pressure to make everything work out perfectly or to achieve success entirely with your own hands… let this be your reminder. You were never meant to carry it all alone.
What is yours through His love and grace will unfold in His perfect time. You can take a step back, and trust that the One who cares for you has already gone ahead of you.
A Simple Reflection for Your Day
- What is one area of your life where you’ve been feeling the pressure? Would you choose to tell God that you’re letting Him take control?
- How can you practice flowing with the Lord, and relying on His strength today rather than fighting the current of your situation?
FAQ: What Does it Mean to Cast Your Cares on the Lord?
What does the word “cast” mean in 1 Peter 5:7?
The word “cast” implies a deliberate, forceful action, like throwing a heavy baggage onto something else. It means we don’t just gently drop our worries… we actively transfer the weight of them over to Jesus.
How can I tell the difference between responsible effort and striving?
We aren’t called to just drift by in life, lazing around without any purpose. God wants us to take action, so that He can work in us and through us for His glory. Responsible effort is driven by obedience and leaves you with a sense of peace, regardless of the outcome. Striving is driven by fear, anxiety, and the belief that everything depends entirely on you. If your work is robbing you of sleep, joy, and rest, it has likely crossed over into striving.
Why is surrender considered an act of trust rather than weakness?
The world views surrender as giving up or losing… but Biblical surrender is placing your life into the hands of an all-powerful, loving Creator. It takes great faith to stop wanting to control outcomes and instead trust that God’s plan is better than your own.
Secure in His Care
You can release your grip today. Your story is held together by an unchanging God who sustains you even in the deep waters. You are loved. You are seen. And you are safely led in His mighty hands.
— Nicole
A Little Invitation
If your heart has been feeling a little tired from trying to hold everything together, I share a creative reflections and simple journal prompts in my free studio letter. It’s a cozy space where we learn to let go of the pressure together through Scripture and art. You’re so welcome to join us below!
