We carry them like stones in our pockets. Throughout the day we hold them in our hands and rub the rough edges with our thumb. We pick them up without even thinking. Carry them with us where ever we go.
Worries. Cares. Anxieties.
Some small, some more like boulders. Whatever their size, they are familiar to us. The weight of them in our pockets, the coolness of them in our hands, the memory of them in our minds. We turn them over and over. Holding on, holding tight.
We tell ourselves we can handle them. So we fill our pockets, adjust our gait, and neglect to notice the limp we walk with under the weight of all that fills our pockets, and our minds.
Recently I gathered with a group of ladies and asked them to examine the rocks they carry. The weight of the worry that fills their lives. We sat with rocks and markers and silence and waited for God to reveal truth. The truth is; He hasn’t asked us to carry this. The truth is He wants us to live without the weight of it.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him,
because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6&7
Cast means “throw”. Not “set down”, or “share with”, or “hand to”. It means throw! We are told to literally throw our stones on Jesus. Right after we are told to humble ourselves. And isn’t that the key? To finally arrive at the point where we can admit that we can no longer carry this load on our own, that we don’t have the answers we need, that we can’t fix the problems we face.
That night with stones and sharpies and silence I watched as one by one those brave women covered their stones with words as tears streamed and lips whispered. Slowly they gathered those stones and walked with them to the edge of the lake. Held them in their hands. Examined them with their eyes and their hearts. And finally, with breath held, threw them into the deep, never to be seen again.
Something happened in the moment of release for each of them. Their heads would lift, their faces would soften, and their shoulders would relax. They physically transformed before my eyes as they realized that they no longer had to carry “that”.
And neither do you. Whatever is written upon your stone, you don’t have to carry it anymore. Isn’t it time to throw that thing on Jesus? Let Him carry it? He patiently waits for you today.
Photo credit to my brave friend Chelsea, who threw her worry stones on Jesus.
By Keri Lynn, Broken Girl
Leave a Comment
Becky M says
This morning I have a doctor’s appointment, as a breast cancer survivor I carry the worry about cancer’s return. Thank you for this today. I think I’ll get me a stone, write cancer on it, and throw it away . . . prayerfully. Thinking on Philippians 4:6 today. God bless.
Keri Lynn says
Praying with you today, Becky! Trusting Him to carry you and give you peace.
Beth Williams says
Prayers for you Becky M. Prayers for all cancer survivors and their families!! FYI I do Relay for Life–to help fight cancer. I want to help eradicate this disease within a few years!!!
God Bless! 🙂
@VickieDtvbr59 says
Keri, heard you read this on KLRC this morning, I really like your word picture of me not recognizing that worry affects my “gait,” therefore it affects my witness. Thank you!
Keri says
It’s so true isn’t it. We don’t realize how the worry we carry affects everything else.
Renee says
This is so powerful. I love the visual ~~ with writing on the stones and casting them into the lake. Just what I needed to hear today.. Just what I need to do.
Keri says
Sometimes we need to do something tangible to remind us of a decision we are making in our hearts. Praying for you today Renee!
Worry Stones | Broken Girl says
[…] of them in our minds. We turn them over and over. Holding on, holding tight. {join me over at (in)courage for the rest?} ~Keri Like this:Like […]
Elsie Coyle says
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I taught a lesson similar to this, but used this verse as the focal point. When we throw off everything to him, He turns what hinders us into joy which makes us happy. We are no longer weighed down by our burdens, but free through the joy of our Lord. Great blog! 🙂
Lesley says
I thought of those exact verses as well as I was reading this! I love the imagery of letting go of things in order to make us lighter in a race. Its such a marvelous example of how so much we hold on to creates unnecessary heaviness.
Keri says
Love that verse in relation to worry, Elsie. Great reminder.
Lisa E says
I loved reading this today, it was put here “just for me!” I’m a bit older, so I might just need a brick to write to write all those worries down, but I need tangible action. Our lakes are still closed this time of year but tomorrow, I’m going to take a quick drive to the river and toss those worries away forever! I have literally worried myself sick with migraines, fibromyalgia, and a host of other illnesses.
Lisa
Keri says
Praying for you, Lisa, that you will feel lighter after you throw your cares on Jesus!
Lisa E says
Thank you, the prayers are much appreciated!
Michelle pruett says
Thanks! Needed this a lot. I have a lot to give up and throw. Good reminder!
Zarah says
Thank you for these encouraging words. On and off, I have to be reminded that I carry the stones when I only have to throw it away or give it to Him who is bigger than my problems.
Amanda {A Royal Daughter} says
The Lord knew I needed to read this today. We are one week out from our second fertility treatment, and I have a whole week of waiting to go. My heart has been a ball of knots, worry and fear all tangled together and bringing tears and heartache. Thank you for this timely reminder.
Keri says
Praying for you Amanda. Some worries are harder to leave with Jesus. So thankful that He cares for us.
Lis says
I love this idea.
Beth Williams says
Loved the imagery in your writing! I, too, carry worry around. It shows up in my gait, attitude–especially at work. I am displeased with my job as it has changed drastically
and would like a change of positions within the university, state or at VA.
I have written about this on different prayer chains, thus trying to “throw” my stone away and give it to HIM who knows best for me!
Cindy says
Praise God for you, Keri, and for this message. As I was nearing the end of the message, in awe of the meaning, I thought of getting another rock (it would be neat if it was heart-shaped) and writing on it what God says about me. That could be a reminder in my pocket when negative thoughts try to come against me, or hurtful situations arise, or hurtful words are spoken, frightening things strike at my heart, etc. Though it might have a little weight, it would be much more welcome, and ultimately freeing, than the heaviness of anxieties, hurts, frustrations, confusion, and so much more. I am His and his alone. May His TRUTH prevail in our lives! God bless you richly!