Preacher: Rev. Jason Carson Wilson

Date: May 21, 2023

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Audio for this sermon can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IKpj3gj6bky5xWj0UK5bILWPQVon3gNu/view?usp=sharing

1 Peter 4:12-14 ad 5:6-11 offer powerful words of encouragement and guidance for those struggling with fear and anxiety. Peter reminds us that life brings trials and difficulties, but we are not alone.

It sounds similar to our last visit with Peter, where he tried convincing us that suffering is salvific. But, like the other scriptures, Peter quickly reminds us that we can take solace in the Creator’s walking with us through trials and tribulations. That reality should ease our fear.

Knowing the Creator is present brings us a certain lever of comfort. We can rest assured when He says: “Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). To be effective in the, Peter offers instructions to us – it almost sounds like advice from a big brother or father – call on Him and give up every other option. We are not alone is we trust the Creator instead of our strategies and plans.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walketh about seeing whom he may devour…but resist him steadfast with faith,: reveals 1 Peter 5:8-9a. This scripture is more than just words thrown around. We are invited to stand firm against worry by allowing the Creator’s power through faith to take its course inside each one’s life circumstance – no matter what they may look like at any given moment.

Peter encourages us to cast our anxieties and fears on the Creator. She cares for us and will provide for our needs. We don’t need to carry our burdens alone. That’s great, but life can’t always be about facing our fears.

Cast away your fears.

You;’ll ever convince me that the Creator gave us the Earth to just watch a never-ending version of the game of thrones play out. She wants us to live a life full of joy. And we shouldn’t wait for joy, as Psalm : reads, to com in the morning. Instead, we should be ready to snatch that joy whenever we can.

There have been moments when you might have felt a sense of peace and maybe joy. Like when you sat by an ocean shore, basking in the sun’s warmth and admiring as it beamed against your skin.

You noticed how tiny grains flew off with each wave that crashed upon your feet – it was captivating but short-lived, yet this moment should guide us through our fears of what could lie ahead or behind us. We must strive for contentment despite life’s circumstances.

Cast away your fears.

Meanwhile, Peter also reminds us we have a role in overcoming our fears and anxieties. It’s also our responsibility to bring joy into our lives and bask in the joy that falls in our lap. Joy comes in many packages – like sweet smelling babies or the freedom to be authentic in a Pride Parade.

Let’s not wait until adversity encourages us to look on the bright side. Why wait for a cancer diagnosis to be thankful for life? No one should need a reason to feel joy or to celebrate life. Society, not Ecclesiastes, has taught that’s a time and place to everything, including joy.

The hamster wheel that is capitalism does everything in its power to keep us from having the time to enjoy joy. It has inspired fear of scarcity and created actual scarcity that keeps us in fight or flight and fear modes. A threat to survival is, of course, a threat to joy.

It’s easy to succumb to fear and anxiety in a chaotic world, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look up, yearning for hope. Instead, we can confront our fears and gain strength through faith in the Creator. In conclusion, Peter reminds us of why it is essential not only to resist worry or sadness but also to accept joy wherever it may be found, knowing that ultimately your safety lies with the Creator – no matter what happens – so don’t run from Him; instead , cling tightly onto Him as He guides you through this life!

Cast away your fears.

According to Peter, we are call to be self-controlled and alert, resisting the devil’s temptation and standing firm in our faith. We must resist the urge to succumb to anxiety, fear, and cynicism. Being aware of harsh realities shouldn’t mean we hide our joy under a bushel.

Am I asking you to deny harsh realities? No. I’m asking you – and myself – not to let them consume you. Given that our LGBTQIA+ siblings are being demoralized, dehumanized, and destroyed, that a difficult task. Given that black people continue to be seen as three-fifths of a person, that a challenging task. Given that women’s rights have been decimated, that’s an arduous task.

Cast away your fears.

Looking for the light at the end of the tunnel – and hoping it’s not an oncoming train – is hard. But we are called to dance and sing as well as fight oppression. Looking for the light requires a willingness to embrace joy amid struggle.

Joy can be elusive, but faith in the Creator will bring it to us. We can accept or reject joy; allowing ourselves room for contentment with Life’s realities is essential if we enjoy what He gives us. We should all aspire towards that, not cling to it when times get rough.

We read Philippians, chapter 4, verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!”

This verse reminds us that we should always choose joy, no matter our circumstances. We should find reasons to rejoice in the Lord, even amid adversity.

So ho do we seize joy amid adversity? We can start by focusing on the good things in our lives. We can be grateful for what we have rather than focusing on what we don’t have. We can also look for opportunities to serve others, even when we go through difficult times. We can experience the joy of making a difference in someone else’s life by serving others.

Cast away your fears.

We can also trust the Creator, even when we don’t understand why we face certain challenges. WE can trust that the Creator is in control and has a plan for our lives. We believe that the Creator will use our trials and challenges for our good and His glory.

Let us choose joy in adversity. Let us trust in the Creator and find reasons to rejoice in the Creator, even when life is tough.

So, cast your fears away and reach out faithfully into what’s ahead – always remember our power lies within the Creator!

Cast away your fears.

Peter says casting out fears away and onto Creator is no way of surrendering to our circumstances. Peter is right. It opens the door to seizing hop and joy. If we can trust the Creator to walk us through the darkest times, let’s acknowledge Her ability to inspire us to be joyful.

Let’s reach for joy, whether we’re on the mountaintop or in the valley. Choosing to meet life’s exhausting days with joy is hard. But joy is the best fuel to propel you through those days.

Let’s trust that through the creator comes healing and the promise of better mornings! As Psalm : reads, “weeping may stay here all night, but joy will come in the morning.”

After all, the Creator can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. Life’s more challenging moments won’t obscure hope and joy is the creator gives us the peace, strength, and wisdom to see them. Fear and anxiety often leave us not seeing the forest for the trees. Often, the forest gives us cover when dark clouds roll in, but the light can still seep through when the sun begins to shine.

Cast away your fears.

Let us look to the heavens and seek the Creator for guidance to embrace joy on our journey!