Anxiety is an emotion that can cause people to feel trapped. This comes from the mind building up fear about all that can go wrong. Christians in the early church were living during a time when they were constantly under the threat of persecution.  This is the reason why Peter wrote this statement in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you”.  Peter understood anxiety was an issue for all Christians and if it was not dealt with, it would render them to become ineffective in their ministry.  Therefore, he wanted the entire Christian community to know you don’t have to keep it, but cast it to Jesus Christ.  In doing this, you are letting Jesus know it is too much for me to handle, and I need your help. He will meet you where you are and encourage you to move forward. Because, He cares for you and wants you to live.

Peter knew the effects of anxiety first hand.  Jesus told his disciples they would scatter when the guards would come for him, but Peter said he would not run but fight.  However, when they came Peter did like the rest and ran away.  Peter followed Jesus from a distance and on three different occasions that night people recognized him as a follower of Jesus.  Each time Peter denied knowing Jesus, because of the fear of what they would do to him.  Every time he denied Him,  anxiety was building up causing Peter to be trapped in his fears. This is how he remained until his encounter with Jesus after He was resurrected. This is when he learned you don’t have to keep it, because Jesus cares for you.