We have all heard or even used the phrase "I couldn't care less." This phrase is simply a way of expressing that an individual doesn't care at all about a particular thing. Often, when we use this phrase, it implies that we are washing our hands of something and are done carrying the burden of it. We may say, "Fine. Do what you want. I couldn't care less." Speaking this can for sure create a sense of freedom and relief. We're done, and that feels good. To give up the burden of caring allows us to point our attention on more productive things. It clears our mind and invigorates us.
But, chances are, when we have used this phrase, we spoke in regards to something that was obviously detrimental to our overall well-being. It needed to be removed. The true challenge it letting go of the care of needed and life giving things in our lives. Things that bring us confidence, security, love, purpose and a sense of identity. Why would we need to that? Isn't caring part of our lives? Yes and no.
The Apostle Peter wrote:
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Why would he command this? All of our care? The answer is in the word "care." The word means; anxiety, distraction, divide. He is saying, all care has the potential to divide our commitment between God and ourselves. Anything we carry as our responsibility can and will occupy our thoughts and actions. Often times certain cares can consume us with worry, stress and fear. When these cares continually occupy or mind, our thoughts cannot be fixed up our Father in heaven, the One whose job it is to care for us because He created us!
Matthew 6:31-33
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
God is after our trust. As we trust Him with all of our cares and learn to commit them to Him, we can begin to focus on daily obedience. A mind trained in trusting God's care enables us to undividedly live according to His purpose. In His will we find peace, fullness of life, strength, hope and confidence. We are able to maintain an eternal view of our present circumstances. We can be confident in knowing that Our God is sovereign and that He knows what our true needs are. Life is more than the sum of our cares. It's about serving our creator with all that we are. Being empowered by the Holy Spirit to understand the goodness of our God, discern His will, and move in obedience. It's this hope that should create the desire to cast ALL of our cares upon God. How do we do this? This verse gives us a good starting point:
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We have to turn or care into prayer! We commit to pray whenever we find ourselves worrying, stressing, fearful and consumed in thought. We commit to talk to our Father, focus our thoughts upon the truth of His nature and His promises. As we learn to do this He will GUARD our hearts and minds with His peace. He clears the clutter. He removes the burden and takes it upon Himself. We become free and that feels good.
This is how we can CARE less!