Conquering Fear by Prayer: Psalm 3

 

The book of Psalms is probably the most-read book in the bible. The Psalms address every emotion that we possibly feel and experience in this life. No matter what we are facing there is a Psalm that relates to our condition. Today we examine Psalm 3 and how it can help us to overcome fear. 

 

Understanding Psalm 3

 

Psalm 3 is a heartfelt prayer of David, written during a time of great distress. In this Psalm, David expresses his fears and anxieties, but he also demonstrates unwavering faith in God's protection and deliverance. This Psalm is a powerful reminder that, even in our darkest moments, we can find solace and strength through prayer.

 

The Psalm begins with David's lament:

 

 "Lord, how many are my foes! 

 How many rise up against me! 

 Many are saying of me, 

'God will not deliver him.'"

 

Here, David is surrounded by enemies and facing intense opposition. The voices of doubt and discouragement are loud, telling him that God will not come to his aid. Yet, in the face of these challenges, David turns to God in prayer, seeking His protection and deliverance.

Have you ever had that experience where you face great opposition from people who want to see you fail and you feel angry and outgunned? This is exactly the time to turn it over to Jesus because He cares about you. He tells us to cast all our cares on Him for He cares for us.

 

Trusting in God's Protection

 

Despite the overwhelming odds against him, David's faith remained steadfast. He proclaimed:

 

 "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, 

 my glory, the One who lifts my head high. 

 I call out to the Lord, 

 and he answers me from his holy mountain."

 

David acknowledged God as his protector and source of strength. He understood that, despite the multitude of enemies surrounding him, God was his shield and defender. By turning to God in prayer, David found the courage to face his fears and confidently proclaim God's deliverance.

David’s experiences with God helped him to keep trusting in God. Sometimes we forget what the Lord did for us in the past and we allow fear to overtake us. Let us remember, Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Let us keep our faith and trust in Him.

 

Finding Peace in God's Presence

 

As David continued his prayer, he expressed his confidence in God's ability to deliver him from his enemies:

 

"I lie down and sleep; 

 I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 

 I will not fear though tens of thousands 

 assail me on every side."

 

David's faith in God's protection allowed him to find peace even in the midst of adversity. He could lie down and sleep peacefully, knowing that the Lord would sustain him and deliver him from his enemies. His profound trust in God's providence serves as a powerful antidote to fear, providing us with a model of how to find peace and security through prayer.

Many times we cannot sleep well when we are facing major challenges. We must learn to rest mentally in the arms of Jesus, being confident that He will deliver us from our situations. 

 

The Power of Prayer in Conquering Fear

 

Psalm 3 demonstrates the transformative power of prayer in conquering fear. By turning to God in heartfelt communion, David was able to shift his focus from his circumstances to God's sovereignty. He moved from a place of fear and anxiety to a place of peace and trust, confident in God's ability to protect and deliver him.

 

Steps to Conquer Fear Through Prayer

 

Drawing inspiration from Psalm 3, here are some practical steps to help you conquer fear through prayer:

 

Acknowledge Your Fears: Like David, be honest with God about your fears and anxieties. Lay them before Him in prayer, trusting that He hears and understands your struggles.

 

Affirm God's Sovereignty: Remind yourself of God's power, goodness, and faithfulness. Declare His promises over your life and trust in His ability to protect and deliver you.

 

Seek God's Peace: Invite God's presence into your life and ask Him to fill you with His peace. Surrender your fears to Him and allow His peace to guard your heart and mind.

 

Rest in God's Protection: Like David, find rest and peace in God's protection. Trust that He is your shield and defender and let go of the need to control your circumstances.

 

Stay Connected to God: Maintain a consistent prayer life and cultivate a deep relationship with God. The more you seek Him in prayer, the more you will experience His peace, presence, and protection.

 

Conclusion

 

Fear is a natural human emotion, but it doesn't have to control our lives. Through the transformative power of prayer, as demonstrated in Psalm 3, we can conquer our fears and find peace, strength, and security in God's presence. By acknowledging our fears, affirming God's sovereignty, seeking His peace, resting in His protection, and staying connected to Him, we can experience the freedom and victory that come from trusting God wholeheartedly.

 

So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by fear, remember the example of David in Psalm 3. Turn to God in prayer, pour out your heart before Him, and allow His peace to fill you. Trust in His protection, and let His presence guide you through the storms of life. With God by your side, you can conquer fear and walk in the freedom and victory that He provides.

 

Trample the Devil When He Rises Against You

 

 God's Protective Covering

 

Whether you believe that the devil and his demons can attack you or not doesn’t matter. That will not make you immune to attacks by evil forces. Of greater importance, however, is whether or not you are firm in your belief in Jesus Christ, and that you know without a shadow of a doubt that you have been redeemed by His blood and that the devil, death, hell, and the grave have no power over you unless you give in.  The Devil knows that he has a short time to do his work (Rev 12:12), so he is constantly on the hunt to take us down (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus already told us that the battle has been won, but we will still be tested (James 1:2-6 and 1 Peter 1:6-7).

 

I grew up hearing my mother pray Psalm 91 every night. By the time I was 10 years old, I knew the words and could say them without reading from the Bible.  It gave me the sensation, way back then, that we were covered by God’s shadow and that we were safe. It has become one of my favorite Psalms. Whenever I pray that Psalm, regardless of what is happening around me, I feel the presence of God and I feel protected.

 

Sometimes though, it can feel like the whole host of hell has been let loose against us. At such times it is important to remember who Christ is, who we are in Him, and His promises to us. It is not certain who wrote Psalm 91 as no author is mentioned in the Hebrew text of this Psalm. Jewish tradition credits it to Moses, with David compiling it in his Book of Psalms. The Septuagint translation ascribes it to David. Regardless of who wrote it, it is a powerful Psalm that reassures us of God’s protection and deliverance from evil forces.

 

In times of uncertainty, fear, and adversity, finding solace in the unwavering protection of God can be a source of immense comfort and strength. Psalm 91 stands as a beacon of hope, offering profound reassurance to believers that they are enveloped in God's unfailing love and safeguarded from harm. Let us delve into the depths of this sacred psalm, drawing upon its timeless wisdom to affirm the enduring protection of our Heavenly Father.

 

We are met with words of steadfast assurance from the first verse: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). Here, we are reminded that those who seek refuge in the presence of God will find themselves under His divine protection, shielded from the storms of life that may seek to engulf them. Visualize the scene created by the words and experience the feeling you get from it.

Let's Explore These Verses

The imagery evoked by the Psalmist paints a vivid picture of God's unwavering protection: "He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge" (Psalm 91:4). Just as a mother bird shields her young beneath her wings, so too does God shield His beloved children from harm, providing a sanctuary of safety and peace amidst the chaos of the world.

 

In the face of adversity and the rising tide of evil forces, Psalm 91 offers a powerful declaration of God's omnipotence and sovereignty: "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday" (Psalm 91:5-6). Even in the darkest of times, we are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting that God's protective hand will never falter. Take a minute to envisage all of those diverse scenes and mentally picture God keeping you safe, protected, and provided for in all of them. Isn’t the God you serve awesome?

 

Indeed, the promises contained within Psalm 91 serve as a testament to God's unchanging nature and His unwavering commitment to His people. "Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place - the Most High, who is my refuge - no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent" (Psalm 91:9 -10). In times of trial and tribulation, we can take refuge in the knowledge that God is our stronghold, our fortress, and our deliverer. I often pray this Psalm in the morning, and I just imagine God’s presence all around.  He is always there but if we are not in tune with His presence then we will be unaware.

 

As we reflect on the profound truths of Psalm 91, let us take heart in the assurance that God's protection knows no bounds. "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone" (Psalm 91:11-12). Even in life's most challenging moments, God's angels stand ready to watch over us, guiding our steps and ensuring our safety.

 

Verse 13 is powerful. Can you imagine walking on lions and serpents and being fearless and safe? Can you imagine trampling the old dragon, Satan, every time he comes against you? Just remember to call upon God. He says he will deliver you because you are His. He says He will save you…and believer, God keeps His promises!

 

Stand Firm

Let us cling to the timeless promises of Psalm 91 as a source of strength, courage, and unwavering faith. In the face of adversity, uncertainty, and the relentless onslaught of evil forces, may we find solace in the comforting embrace of our Heavenly Father, knowing that His protective hand is ever-present in our lives. As we journey forward, may we walk in the assurance of God's unfailing love and protection, trusting in His promises and resting securely in His unchanging faithfulness.

 

May you find comfort in His presence, strength in His promises, and peace in His love. Whenever you feel besieged or threatened by evil forces remember to read Psalm 91. May you emerge from those seasons of difficulty with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper faith, and a greater appreciation for the goodness of God.