When Fear Surrounds You
There are moments in life when everything seems to fall apart — when relationships fracture, plans crumble, and fear looms large. King David knew that feeling well. As he fled from his own son Absalom, barefoot and brokenhearted, he cried out to God in anguish. Out of that season of sorrow came one of the most honest, hope-filled prayers in Scripture: Psalm 3.
“But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3)
David’s circumstances didn’t change overnight. What changed was his perspective. In his pain, he found peace; in his fear, he found faith.
Finding Peace in Prayer
David’s story reminds us that prayer is not a performance. It’s not about rehearsed words or religious routine. Prayer is simply the language of trust — speaking to God from a place of honesty, even when words fail.
David began Psalm 3, crying out, “O Lord, how many are my foes!” Yet only a few verses later, he declared, “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” What happened between those lines was a transformation through prayer.
True prayer doesn’t remove our fear immediately; it redirects it toward the One who can hold it. That’s where rest is found — not in control, but in surrender.
When Fear Feels Paralyzing
Fear can be crippling. It can cause us to hide, distract ourselves, or try to escape. But each fearful moment is also an invitation to pray.
There was a time in my own life when fear felt overwhelming. Business was slowing down, and the numbers that once brought confidence began to cause anxiety. The temptation was to let fear lead — to react, withdraw, or try to fix everything in my own strength. But God was inviting me, instead, to trust Him.
Like David, I had to learn that faith is not the absence of fear — it’s choosing to turn fear into prayer.
The God Who Lifts Our Heads
Psalm 3 ends with a bold declaration:
“Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be on Your people.”
David’s confidence wasn’t in his strength or strategy; it was in the God who sustained him through the night. That same God sustains you, too. He surrounds you like a shield, lifts your head when you can’t lift it yourself, and restores hope when fear has the upper hand.
Take a few moments today to talk to Him — honestly, simply, and personally. Tell Him what feels heavy. Then rest in the truth that He is near and strong enough to carry you through.
Reflect and Act
- What fears are surrounding you right now?
- How can you turn those fears into prayer rather than panic?
- Where do you see God “lifting your head” even in difficult seasons?
Listen & Reflect
To go deeper, listen to the song “Thou, O Lord” by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir — a beautiful musical meditation on Psalm 3. Let its lyrics remind you that God is your shield, your glory, and the lifter of your head. Listen here: https://youtu.be/MAccVVUI0dM?si=M9KHC6Ab_sssw5To