All My Fears

All My Fears

Psalm 34:4

Psalm 34 is an act of praise written by David after God delivered him from a dangerous and somewhat odd situation. While fleeing from King Saul, David found himself in enemy territory and, fearing for his life, pretended to be insane... and it worked. The Philistine king bought the act, and David’s life was spared (the story is found in 1 Samuel 21:10–15). And in response to God’s grace, David praised God, and testified to God’s faithfulness in delivering him: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

This solitary verse of scripture reminds us that God is the refuge of His people... and true deliverance is found not in our circumstances changing first, but in God’s gracious intervention in our hearts and lives.

Of course, David offered a simple yet profound statement: “I sought the Lord.” We should note that David never says that he sought a solution, an army, or a strategy... nor did he say he consulted polls or sought the opinion of others. He sought God Himself.

“Seeking the Lord” implies a relationship; a pre-existing relationship... and it’s a consistent mark of faith throughout Scripture. It implies turning our face, our attention, our hope, towards the God who has already placed His countenance upon us. As God’s people, His Covenant People, we’re called to seek God for more than just relief in times of trouble... we’re called to seek the Lord Himself in the midst of LIFE, not just trouble. It reminds me of the prophet Isaiah saying of God, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) When we make seeking God our lifestyle, we’re in a constant position... to receive His grace.

Of course, when fear overwhelms us, our first response is often to seek control, to find a way out. But God’s Word directs us instead to seek Christ. The answer to fear is never self-confidence but rather confidence in God.

David’s confidence was NOT in his own prayers, his own strength, or abilities... but in God. God’s character, God’s Word. The God of the Bible is never distant or indifferent. He hears the cries of His children.

The Lord repeatedly promises His presence and attention: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15, NIV), “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). “For those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). God hears, and responds, to those who seek him.

Of course, God’s answers may not always come in the timing or manner we expect, but He never ignores the prayers of the faithful.

Thomas Watson, said: “Prayer delights God’s ear; it melts His heart; and opens His hand.”

David’s confidence was not in the strength of his prayers but in the faithfulness of the God who heard his prayers.

Notice carefully what David said about God’s deliverance. He did NOT say God delivered him from every danger. He said God delivered him from all his fears.

Why do you suppose he said that? I think it’s because FEAR is often a greater enemy than the trial itself. Fear magnifies our problems and diminishes our focus on God. Like Peter, when he was walking on the water towards Jesus, but then noticed the wind and the waves lapping at the ankles, and he began to sink... why? Because fear broke his focus. Fear whispers that God has forgotten us, abandoned us, or lost control.

Yet, the fact is: God’s sovereignty extends over every circumstance in this life. It’s why Paul said, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28, NIV). God is in control... and He is working out His will for our lives, even when our circumstances are frightening.

David’s fears were overcome because he had come to understand that his life rested securely in God’s hands.

The greatest fear facing us in this life is not suffering, sickness, or death—it is standing before a holy God in our sin. But praise God, that through the gospel, Christ has removed that fear forever for those who’ve placed their trust in Him.

Of course, we still experience anxiety, uncertainty, and distress, but these fears no longer rule over us because Christ rules over us. Some 500 years ago Martin Luther penned; “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing! Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills PREVAILING!” Christ is our fortress, our refuge, our strength! In Him we have nothing to fear.

So what should you and I take away from our how should we respond to this verse?

1. Bring your fears honestly before God.

David does not pretend he has no fears. He took his fears to the only One who could assuage his fears; the Lord. Faith is not the absence of fear; it’s bringing our fears to the right place.

2. Rest in God’s sovereign grace.

Nothing enters your life apart from the Father’s wise and loving decree. What seems chaotic to us is governed by His perfect providence and sovereign grace.

3. Look to Christ above all. Set your face on Jesus.

The same Savior who calmed the storm with a word, and called Peter to walk on water, can certainly calm the storms in us, and help us to walk above our fears. He has conquered sin, death, and hell. Therefore, no fear has the final word over the believer.

Psalm 34:4 is David’s testimony, but it can also become ours: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

The answer to fear is not found in stronger circumstances, greater resources, or personal resolve. It is found in the Lord Himself.

When fears arise, seek the Lord. When troubles come, seek the Lord. When uncertainty surrounds you, seek the Lord.

For the God who answered David is the same God who hears His people today, and through Jesus Christ, He remains our refuge, our strength, and our deliverer.

Amen.