Choosing Strength Under Control (1 Peter 5:5-7)

Choosing Strength Under Control

Picture this: an intern on his first day accidentally wanders into the CEO’s office, thinking it’s a shared workspace. He starts rearranging things, offering suggestions—completely unaware of who he’s talking to.

What’s the lesson? Know your role. Stay teachable. Don’t assume you’re in charge.

In a world that celebrates platform and personal achievement, Peter calls believers to something radically countercultural: humility.

Humility isn’t weakness. It’s strength under control. It’s choosing to trust God’s hand over our own hype.

Humility is a Choice

Peter writes: “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble'” (1 Peter 5:5).

The phrase “clothe yourselves” refers to putting on a servant’s apron. Humility isn’t just a nice feeling—it’s an intentional act. Something we choose, daily.

And here’s the kicker: humility isn’t optional. Scripture says God actively opposes the proud but pours out grace on the humble. That alone should make us stop and think.

Think of a team where every player fights for the spotlight. It won’t be long before that team collapses. What holds a team together—what creates unity and momentum—is humility.

So here’s a question to begin each day with: “Who can I serve today, instead of impress?”

Humility is Grounded in Trust

Peter continues: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

In Scripture, God’s hand symbolizes both power and protection. When we humble ourselves under his hand, we’re trusting both his authority and his timing.

Exalting ourselves—forcing opportunities, pushing to be noticed—leads to burnout or pride. Waiting on God brings a far better reward: being lifted up by him, in his timing.

Humility is trusting that God hasn’t forgotten you.

So what should we do? Stop striving to be noticed. Let God do the promoting when he knows you’re ready.

Humility Lets God Carry the Weight

Peter finishes with this: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

So much of our anxiety comes from trying to control outcomes we can’t guarantee. Humility is learning to release that burden.

But notice this isn’t a one-time drop-off. Peter uses the word cast—an ongoing action. Over and over, we hand our worries back to God.

It’s like a child giving a broken toy to a parent. The moment they let go, repair begins.

Make that your habit: each time worry rises, say, “Lord, I give this to You—again.”

The Everyday Practice of Humility

Humility isn’t just a posture. It’s a practice. It shapes how we lead, how we wait, and how we handle worry.

God isn’t asking us to carry the weight of the world. He’s asking us to trust his hands.

And here’s the good news: his shoulders are big enough for whatever you’re carrying today.