Freedom from Worry

“You, O LORD, are a shield around me … I was crying to the LORD with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.”—Psalm 3:3–5 NASB

It was a time of emotional turmoil. David was fleeing for his life, pursued by his son Absalom. We hardly can imagine what thoughts must have flooded David’s mind—the pain and confusion. In the complexities of this moment, David wrote this psalm.

Feeling overwhelmed and outnumbered, he cried out to God. There did not seem to be any hope. Others may have concluded that God would not deliver him, but David did not give up. Instead, he turned to God because he knew He was “a shield around” him. And he knew that God would answer him and protect him.

After turning to God, David had such peace that he could sleep in tranquility. He knew God would sustain him. Even if he was besieged by thousands on every side, he refused to worry. He could have peace.

Throughout his life, David had many opportunities to worry and be afraid. But he also knew how to be free from these burdens. The solution was to depend on God. As David also wrote, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).

You, too, can be delivered from fear and worry. Cast your cares on the Lord. Cry out to Him. Stand on His Word. Believe His promises. Trust Him. Rest in Him. Let Him give you real freedom and real peace.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer asking for God’s protection and deliverance this week.