Let Down the Net

How many times do we worry and fret over our problems—"we have toiled all the night"—and when the morning comes, we find we have accomplished "nothing"? The old saying comes to mind that "worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but does not get you anywhere." I certainly have sat in my chair at night with anxieties and cares robbing me of peace and sleep. 

Jesus told Peter to "let down his net." This did not make much sense to Peter. He had fished all night (the usual time for fishing) and had not caught anything. No doubt, he was exhausted and discouraged. Now, Jesus was asking him to do something that seemed like a waste of time and effort.

However, Peter's next words are a great challenge to us today: "Nevertheless [even though I am weary, even though it does not make sense, even though I have only a little faith] at thy word I will . . . ." God wants us to trust Him, to cast our cares on Him, to take our burdens to the Lord and LEAVE them there. We are tired (we have toiled all night), and we are discouraged (we have caught "no fishes"—we have seen no answers to our prayers). It is time to take God at His Word and "let down the net."

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there;
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out--
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

— Charles A. Tindley