Even in the Darkest Places, God Takes Away Our Fears

Psalm 34:9-10

“Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.  The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good things.”

Psalm 34 has always been a deep source of inspiration to me.  This Psalm assures me that even in the darkest places, God will take away my fear and I will lack nothing – just like the author, David. 

David had been anointed by God to be the next king of Israel, but instead of sitting on a throne, he was being hunted by the current king, Saul, who, out of jealousy, wanted him dead. In a desperate move, David fled to the enemy city of Gath where he had to pretend to be insane so the Philistines wouldn’t kill him. His ruse worked and they allowed David to live in the Cave of Adullam with the other “outcasts.”

It’s easy to imagine the fear and uncertainty David must have felt. Yet, in that dark, damp cave, David wasn’t angry or afraid. In fact, he wrote a beautiful, heartfelt poem/psalm of praise and encouragement to the people of Israel while he was hiding out – Psalm 34.

Praise God for Taking Away Fear

In this Psalm, David wasn’t asking God to remove him from the cave or change his circumstances. Instead, he was praising God for taking away his fear. “I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4).  He was telling the people of Israel to glorify and praise God even in times of trouble.

David wrote that those who fear (respect and honor) the Lord will “lack nothing” (v. 9). Think about that: Here he was, living in a cave with people trying to kill him and he was still praising God! Did he really think he lacked nothing? The answer was YES. He was focusing on what really mattered – not his earthly circumstances, but his spiritual life. He knew that if he had God, he had everything.

Do Not Be Discouraged

The same is true for us. Our pain and suffering in this world are temporary. If we love and truly follow God’s Word, He will lead us out of the dark caves of our lives.  David reminds us, “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:13-14)

Are we living in a way that shows our true love of God? Do our words and actions show others what it means to be a true follower of Christ? 

Like David, when it seems like the whole world is against us, we must not get discouraged. Instead, continue to praise God and show the world what true faith really looks like. With God in our corner, we will lack nothing.

Your sister in Christ,

~Mary Beth Leopold