Conquering Fear Through Prayer

The LORD is my light and my salvation—

so why should I be afraid?

The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to devour me,

when my enemies and foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.

Though a mighty army surrounds me,

my heart will not be afraid.

Even if I am attacked,

I will remain confident.

Psalm 27:1-3

In his first inaugural address, President Franklin D. Roosevelt tried to assure a worried nation going through the Great Depression that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Fear can be paralyzing. Fear of an uncertain future can rob us of our peace and joy; and fear of failure can keep us from stepping out in faith and doing something God wants us to do. In this prayer, David declared that even if a mighty army were to surround and attack him, he would remain confident, and his heart would not be afraid. David could say that because the Lord was his “light” and his “salvation.”

If fear threatens to paralyze you and rob you of your joy, take courage that the Lord is watching over you. In prayer, place your trust in God, your Savior.

• Dear Lord, I will not be afraid, for you are my light and my salvation . . .