According to statistics listed by ESPN, Johnny Bench was the all-time best catcher in the history of MLB, and according to Bleacher Report, Roy Karkovice was the best all time defensive catcher in the history of MLB. I am sure there are those who would debate this. However, I want to go on record as saying I have found the best "catcher" of all, both defensive and offensive. Play Ball!
This morning I played ball with God. Yes, I did. I was the pitcher, He the catcher. This may sound crazy, but God invites us to do this.
1 Peter 5:7 says "Cast your anxieties on Him because he cares for you." The word "cast" in New Testament Greek means 'throw'. So basically it is saying, "Throw your anxieties on God because he cares for you."
Where did Peter get that idea? Most probably he heard it as he sat in the synagogue listening to the Hebrew scriptures.
David used this expression and set up this concept of throwing things to God in Psalm 55:22. He writes: "Cast your burdens on the Lord, he will sustain you..."
The lexicon provides a detailed description of this Hebrew word, "cast'" defining it with several synonyms: hurl, fling, and throw. Each word draws out a different nuance of meaning.
Hurl implies a forceful throw, something with strength and determination behind it. Fling implies a quick, "I have to get help with this" toss. A "throw" may be done with more deliberation and focus.
Whatever way you throw your concerns, fears and troubles onto God, he is there to catch them. In fact he welcomes us to "cast," and he is waiting to catch.
Trust the Catcher
Knowing that God invites me, even urges me to throw my cares on him reassures me and gives me peace amid the questions, and troubles of my life. I know I can rely on God for help.
I need to know that there is someone more powerful and faithful than myself, or even than my best confidante. Some of the times I need to remember this truth are when I am struggling in a relationship; dealing with things I see as unfair; overcoming a weakness; trying to grow in my faith; or, when I am challenged by situations or people that seem impossible.
I have found that when I look in God's word for truths about the character of God, I am building a foundation for my faith. I more readily see God as the faithful Catcher. He can field any hard ball we throw at him or unto him.
There are truths about God in his Word that help me to trust that he will not only catch what I hurl unto him, but that he will work with it. Here are a few truths about our Perfect Catcher that make me feel safe and stir my heart to trust him.
