Under the Mighty Hand of God

First Peter 5:6-7 says, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." The context of these words is quite telling. In 1 Peter 5:1-4 the elders of the church are instructed as to how to shepherd the flock. Then verse 5a turns to flock, God's people, and admonishes them to submit themselves to the elders. But more than that, all of us—shepherds, flock, elders—are to "be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility" (v. 5b). Why? Because "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (v. 5c).

Now in verse 6a, Peter tells us again to "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God." Being humble means to put ourselves last and others, namely our brothers and sisters in Christ, first. This humble submission is done "under the mighty hand of God" (v. 6a). Remember, the Lord Jesus is our "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11, 14). He rules our lives. He empowers us to live this life of humility by His grace. Remember your position in Christ and let Him guide you, and you will not find it that hard to humble yourself before others.

When you humble yourself in this manner, God "may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6b). Maybe He will exalt you in some manner and maybe He won't. That is not the promise here. The promise is found at the end of verse 7: "for He cares for you." When you humble yourself under God's mighty hand you are free to trust God, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (v. 7). That is the entirety of verse 7.

God understands. He is all-knowing. Trust Him. He knows your heart. Anything you cast His way, He can handle. You will be blessed as He comes alongside you and takes care of everything. You can trust Him and give Him every burden because "He cares for you" (v. 7b). Amen.