I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
David had already experienced a number of terrors in his young life: a lion, a bear, and a giant pagan warrior. Now, the jealous, unstable king of his own nation was pursuing him. Most recently, he had foolishly fled into enemy territory, where he found himself staring straight into the eyes of Gath’s king and his guards. In each of these terrifying circumstances, David’s life was on the line. Gripped by the gravity of the situation at hand, David sought the LORD, earnestly asking Him for His guidance and protection. In every case, God heard and answered by giving him strength and guidance. The LORD had delivered David from these dangers by empowering him to fight his enemy or by showing him how to escape.
You may not being going against a lion, bear or giant pagan warrior. Your fears may be more internal. You may be battling your fears of certain cultural pressures, fearing failure or incompetence, or even the fear of committing to something. With David, his eyes that were darkened with doom suddenly sparkled with courage, hope, and joy. When seeking Christ in light of your fears, he can change those fears from a crippling anxiousness into courage, hope, and joy.
Study Questions
- Are you seeking Christ in the midst of your fears?
- What does it look like for you to seek Christ while also battling internal or external fears?
- Christ wants to lift you from the burden of carrying your fears all by yourself. He wants to guide you and protect you. Discover what it looks like for you to release your fears to God, and for him to change those fears into courage, hope, and joy.
Download a free PDF from The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible: Psalms 1-41 to continue your study on this verse and section.