Back in the early 2000’s, our family would go out into the back country and go fly fishing. I took a class on how to cast my line. Just around the corner from my office building is the courthouse. It has a great big lawn, and we all took out place and practiced casting. It is exciting when you get than hang of it on a lawn, but even better when out in the water!
We also were on a trip once to the Gulf coast of Texas and watched people casting nets to catch fish. It takes skill and energy to throw those nets correctly.
At my ranch we have given roping lessons. It is an art to hold your rope just so, twirl it around, cast it off and catch the fake cow head poked into a bale of hay. We also used 5 gallon buckets as targets. It looks so easy in the old Westerns, but it takes practice to get it right.
That’s what I was reminded of when reading 1 Peter 5:7, when Peter, a fisherman who cast nets for a living, talked about casting your cares upon Jesus.
The Greek word used here to cast is ekballo, which means to throw with great force. I mean before this, I always thought of casting my cares on Jesus as something more passive, gently laying them down.
The shoulders of God are broad and strong enough that when life’s troubles are overwhelming us, we can throw them with great force onto Him. I’m twirling my cares over my head and casting them onto Him. I need to get rid of them, and do it NOW! “Take that cares! Get off of me! I cannot stand carrying you another second!”
Just like those examples I gave take practice, casting my cares upon Jesus is also taking practice. I have to remind myself to do it daily. I’m not strong enough to walk around carrying all those burdens. But He is, and He welcomes it.
Bear not a single care thyself.
One is too much for thee.
The work is Mine and Mine alone.
Thy work is rest in me.
[Hudson Taylor]
So practice like you mean it, and cast away! Jesus can handle it!
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God Still Speaks 
Thank you for this enlightening word study on “casting” Cindi 👍
It certainly gives a whole new perspective to what it really means to cast our burdens on our Lord. God bless you today sister 🙏
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I love what God shares with me! That’s why the Word is living and active! I’m always discovering something new!
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Great post Cindi. I love your analogy. I love to think about what living in Jesus time was like. Peter, James, all the fishermen must have been so well muscled. And all the disciples “walked” everywhere with Jesus. The foot gear was sandals. It’s hard to imagine. Thanks for enlightening us from your ranch perspective.
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I agree with the walking everywhere. I don’t know what I’d do without my Dr Scholl’s inserts in my shoes!
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Great visuals! Thank you!
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Excellent post, Cindi.
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I love the Hudson Taylor quote and the idea behind this post! Casting our cares upon Jesus isn’t always natural, but is always beneficial.
When you concluded with the phrase “Cast Away,” I also thought of Tom Hanks, lost on a deserted tropical island with only a ball named Wilson to keep him company. However, in our case Wilson is Jesus!
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I now have a new perspective on casting. Thank you.
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Then my work here is done!
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Just what I needed! Thank you for a great lesson on “casting your cares on Jesus.” God bless you, Cindi! ✝️
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So glad how God does that!
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Amen!! Thanks for that wonderful post.
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Bless you!
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You [Lord] have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” St. Augustine. I always know that when I can’t sleep at night or my shoulders tighten up, I am trying to do it.
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Being aware of it is a big step!
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Thank you Cindy!
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