Learning To Trust (1 Peter 5:6-11)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to trust someone completely, without knowing how things would turn out? Perhaps it was during a challenging project at work, a medical diagnosis, or a decision about your family’s future. Trust is not just an abstract concept; it's something we live out every day in our relationships, decisions, and hopes for the future.

As Christians, our journey of faith is rooted in trust. Peter has been talking to us about how we need to become more like Christ. Last time we looked at how elders are to be like shepherds and the church under their care is to humbly follow them. This humility and submission takes trust. In fact, everything we have learned about suffering for God’s glory and becoming more like Christ is about trusting that God will work everything out for our good. We are called to follow His example, to walk in His footsteps, and to embody His character in our lives. But how do we do this in a world filled with uncertainty, challenges, and distractions? We need God’s help. What does it really mean to trust God deeply and fully?

Today, as Peter comes to the end of the body of his letter, we will explore how trust is the foundation of Christ-likeness. We will see how trusting God enables us to submit with humility, cast our anxieties on Him, stay vigilant against the adversary, stand firm in our faith, and hold onto the promise of restoration. As we dive into 1 Peter 5:6-11, we will discover how embracing trust can transform our daily walk with Christ and empower us to live out our faith with confidence and hope.

I. Trust to Submit with Humility (Verse 6)

1 Peter 5:6 (ESV) — 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

As we begin our journey through 1 Peter 5:6-11, we encounter the call to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, a task that requires profound trust. Think about Jesus, our ultimate example of humility. Though He was equal with God, He did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Instead, He made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Think about that. Jesus had every right to reveal himself as God and receive the credit he deserves. But Jesus’ entire life exemplified trustful submission to the Father’s will, trusting in God’s plan and timing for His life, even when it led Him to the cross. This trust in God’s sovereignty is what enabled Him to humble Himself so profoundly.

For us, humility begins with trust. Trust that God’s plans are greater than our own, that His timing is perfect, and that His ways are higher than our ways. It means acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers, but we serve a God who does. Trust empowers us to relinquish our pride and embrace a posture of humility, acknowledging our need for God’s guidance and wisdom.

In practical terms, humbling yourself under the mighty hand of God looks like beginning each day with a prayer of surrender, asking God to guide your steps and direct your path. It’s about starting your day by acknowledging your dependence on Him, rather than relying solely on your own strength and understanding. This daily surrender is an act of trust, a declaration that you believe God is in control and that His plans for you are good.

Moreover, it requires us to regularly examine our hearts for pride. Pride is a subtle adversary, often cloaking itself in self-reliance and independence. Yet, we are called to a different way—a way that reflects Christ’s humility. Consider the relationships in your life and the opportunities you have to serve others. Are there areas where pride prevents you from loving and serving as Jesus did? By trusting in God’s plan, we can let go of our pride, knowing that true exaltation comes from God at the proper time, as we humbly submit to His mighty hand.

Trust to submit with humility is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily choice. It’s waking up every morning and deciding to trust in God’s sovereignty over your life. As you do, you follow in the footsteps of Christ, living a life that reflects His humility and honors His name. Let us, therefore, humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, trusting that He will lift us up in due time.

II. Trust to Cast Anxieties on God (Verse 7)

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) — 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

As we move further into 1 Peter 5, we find an invitation that speaks directly to the anxieties and burdens that so often weigh us down: "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." This verse beautifully captures the essence of trust—trust in a God who is both sovereign and compassionate. In a world filled with uncertainty and stress, this invitation is a lifeline, offering peace to those who dare to trust in God’s care.

Consider the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Faced with unimaginable stress and anxiety, Jesus turned to the Father in prayer. He poured out His heart, expressing His anguish and seeking the Father’s will above His own. In doing so, Jesus modeled perfect trust—a trust that was anchored in the Father’s love and care. This is the same trust that we are called to embrace, a trust that releases our burdens into the capable hands of our loving Father.

Casting our anxieties on God requires us to let go of the illusion of control. So often, we cling to our worries, believing that if we hold on tightly enough, we can somehow manage or solve them on our own. Yet, God invites us to release our grip, to place our concerns at His feet, and to trust that He is both willing and able to handle them. This act of casting is an expression of faith, a declaration that we believe God cares for us deeply and personally.

To practice this trust, we can develop habits of prayer that focus on surrendering our anxieties to God. Consider setting aside dedicated time each day to lay your worries before the Lord, speaking them out loud or writing them down in a journal. As you do, reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life, recalling instances where He has provided, protected, and guided you. This reflection can strengthen your trust, reminding you that God’s care is not just a theological concept but a tangible reality in your life.

Another powerful practice is finding faith statements rooted in Scripture. These are declarations of truth that can counter the lies and fears that often accompany anxiety. For example, you might declare, “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1), “You, Oh Lord, are a shield about me,” or “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). By speaking these truths, you align your heart with God’s promises and reinforce your trust in His care.

Trust to cast anxieties on God is a journey—a daily commitment to trust in His loving care. As we release our worries to Him, we experience His peace, a peace that transcends understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. But anxieties aren’t just a one time event. We might cast them on the Lord and find that they want to come back. Let us, therefore, cast all our anxieties on Him yet again, trusting that He cares for us deeply and personally.

III. Trust to Stay Vigilant and Steadfast Against Satan (Verse 8)

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) — 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

In 1 Peter 5:8, the apostle warns us to be sober-minded and watchful, for our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This vivid imagery underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of vigilance in the life of a believer. Yet, this vigilance is rooted in trust—a trust that God equips us with the discernment and strength needed to resist the enemy’s schemes. We also trust that the devil does exist and is actively working. If we don’t believe that, we won’t pay close attention and be in guard.

Jesus exemplified this vigilance during His time in the wilderness, where He faced intense temptation from Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Armed with Scripture, Jesus countered each temptation with God’s truth, demonstrating a clear awareness of the enemy’s tactics and an unwavering trust in the Father’s Word. His example teaches us that vigilance is not a matter of fear but of trustful readiness, relying on God’s truth to stand firm.

Then, again Jesus recognizes Satan working through Peter in Matthew 16:23. Jesus reveals his future crucifixion, but Peter responds with a strong statement, “This will never happen to you Lord!” Jesus says, “Get behind me Satan.” He knows Satan is at work to deceive people about who the Christ must be. Jesus would love to hear that he doesn’t need to go to the cross. But He knows that is not God’s will.

1 Peter 5:9 (ESV) — 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world

As we continue through 1 Peter 5, verse 9 calls us to resist the devil by standing firm in our faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by our brothers and sisters throughout the world. This call to steadfastness requires a deep trust in God’s faithfulness and a commitment to remain unwavering, even when faced with trials and opposition.

Jesus Himself demonstrated this steadfastness throughout His earthly ministry, remaining true to His mission despite relentless opposition and ultimately enduring the cross for our sake. His unwavering faith in the Father’s plan enabled Him to stand firm, even when everything seemed to be falling apart. Jesus’ example serves as a powerful reminder that true faith perseveres through adversity, rooted in trust that God is both present and active in our lives.

The Challenge of Trust in Our Time

In today’s world, trust seems to be in short supply. We live in an age marked by uncertainty and skepticism, where promises are often broken, and motives are frequently questioned. News headlines remind us daily of the failures of leaders and institutions, leading many to wonder whom or what they can truly rely on. In such a context, trusting others—or even trusting God—can feel incredibly difficult.

Our struggle with trust often begins with our experiences. Perhaps you’ve been let down by someone you depended on, or maybe you’ve faced disappointments that have left you hesitant to place your trust fully in anyone. The pain of betrayal or the fear of vulnerability can make us reluctant to open our hearts and rely on something greater than ourselves. It’s in this space of doubt and hesitation that we can find ourselves holding back, even in our relationship with God.

Moreover, the pace and demands of modern life often push us toward self-reliance. We are bombarded with messages that glorify independence, encouraging us to handle things on our own and be the masters of our destiny. While self-sufficiency is praised, it can lead us to believe that trusting others—or even God—is a sign of weakness. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently.

Trusting God requires a radical shift in perspective. It asks us to move beyond our fears and past disappointments and to place our confidence in the One who is unchanging and faithful. It challenges us to surrender our desire for control and embrace the vulnerability that comes with dependence on God. This is not easy, especially when the world around us teaches us to rely on our own strength and understanding.

Despite these challenges, the call to trust remains central to our faith. Trusting God is not about denying reality or ignoring the complexities of life; it’s about choosing to believe that God is present and at work in every circumstance, even when we can’t see it. It’s about accepting that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that His plans for us are good, even when we don’t fully understand them.

In this journey of faith, we are not alone. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced immense challenges and doubts yet chose to trust in God. Their stories remind us that trust is not the absence of struggle but the choice to rely on God in the midst of it. As we navigate the difficulties of our time, let us look to these examples and be encouraged to cultivate a trust in God that transcends the uncertainties of life. Through this trust, we can find peace, strength, and hope as we walk in the footsteps of Christ.

How does trust help us?

To stay vigilant and steadfast, we must first recognize the subtlety of the enemy’s attacks. Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light, tempting us with seemingly benign thoughts, desires, or opportunities that lead us away from God’s path. Trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance allows us to discern these deceptions and remain alert to spiritual danger.

Ultimately, staying steadfast and vigilant against Satan is about anchoring ourselves in the assurance that God is greater than any adversary we face. As we trust in His power and guidance, we stand firm, knowing that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Let us, therefore, be sober-minded and watchful, trusting in God’s provision as we navigate the spiritual battles before us.

How do we develop trust?

A practical way to cultivate this trust is through regular engagement with Scripture. God’s Word is our sword, the weapon by which we can effectively counter the lies and temptations of the enemy. Memorizing key verses equips us with truth that can be readily recalled in moments of spiritual challenge. Passages such as Ephesians 6:10-18, which details the armor of God, remind us of the resources available to us as we engage in spiritual warfare.

Prayer is another crucial component. By praying for discernment and protection, we invite God to sharpen our spiritual senses and strengthen our resolve. Prayers like, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13), echo Jesus’ teaching and remind us of our dependence on God’s deliverance.

Furthermore, accountability within the Christian community enhances our steadfastness and vigilance. When we partner with fellow believers who encourage and challenge us, we are better equipped to recognize and resist the enemy’s attacks. These relationships provide support and insight, offering different perspectives that can help us see beyond our own blind spots.

In a community of faith, we also find support and encouragement. Sharing our burdens with fellow believers not only lightens our load but also reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. We are part of a body that bears each other’s burdens, pointing one another to the hope we have in Christ.

Community plays a vital role in this process. By engaging with fellow believers, we gain encouragement and support that bolster our faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of not neglecting to meet together but instead encouraging one another, especially as we see the day approaching. In community, we find shared experiences and mutual strength, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. Trust that God knew what he was doing as he prescribed out assembling together.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of 1 Peter 5:6-11, we’re reminded that trust is the foundation upon which our journey toward Christ-likeness is built. In a world where trust can be difficult to give and receive, we are called to place our confidence in God’s sovereignty, care, and promises.

Trust enables us to humbly submit to God’s mighty hand, believing that His plans and timing are perfect. It empowers us to release our anxieties to Him, assured of His deep and personal care for us. Our vigilance against spiritual threats is strengthened by our trust in God’s protection and the community He has placed around us. Our faith stands firm amidst trials because we trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness and presence in our lives. Finally, trust in God’s promise of restoration fills us with hope, as we look forward to the fulfillment of His purposes in us and the eternal glory we will share with Christ.

As we go about our lives this week, let us commit to deepening our trust in God. Let our lives reflect His love and grace, and may this trust transform our daily walk with Him. May we be open to His leading, attuned to His Word, and active in our faith. As we trust in Him, may we grow ever more like Christ, living lives that bring glory to His name and draw others to His saving grace.