Daily Devotional – Faith Over Fear

Psalm 56

>1 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.
2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.
6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— are they not in your record?
9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Courageous Faith

Courage is often celebrated as the absence of fear, but true courage is found in faith despite our fears. Psalm 56 beautifully illustrates this depth of faith. The psalmist, likely David, faced immense threats and terrifying opponents on all fronts. And yet, in his darkest moments, he did not surrender to fear but lifted his eyes to the heavens, placing his trust in God. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). This is a testament to the transformative power of faith, a faith that can turn fear into strength. David’s words remind us to lean on God during our trials, finding reassurance in His presence and promises.

David’s situation might seem extreme, but we all face ‘enemies’ in our lives. These might not be people but situations, doubts, and anxieties that threaten our peace. Like David, we can choose to trust in the Lord and proclaim, “In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:4). This declaration of faith is a powerful weapon against the adversities we encounter. Each time we face a fear or a challenge, we can remember that we are not alone. God is with us, and His promises are steadfast. In those moments of vulnerability, courage is nurtured through our unwavering faith, delivering us from the clutches of fear.

Prayer for Courage

Dear Lord,

I come before You today, acknowledging the fears that hold me captive. I often feel overwhelmed by the trials and uncertainties that loom over me. I ask for Your grace and strength to face these challenges with a courageous heart. Lord, Your Word says that when I am afraid, I should put my trust in You. Help me to live this truth every day. Fill my heart with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and remind me constantly of Your unfailing love.

I confess that there are times I try to rely on my own strength. Forgive me for not turning to You first. Teach me to lay my burdens at Your feet and to trust in Your plan for my life. Guide my steps, Father, and give me wisdom in my decisions. When fear whispers lies into my heart, let Your truth drown out those voices.

I thank You for Your faithfulness and Your presence that is always with me. Help me to remember that I am never alone; You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Lord, I ask for courage—not the absence of fear, but the assurance that You are greater than any fear I face. May Your spirit empower me to stand firm in faith.

As I navigate through life’s uncertainties, keep me anchored in Your promises. Infuse me with hope and a steadfast spirit that refuses to waver. Remind me daily of Your power and Your love so that I may walk boldly in Your purpose. In Your mighty name, I pray. AMEN.

List Your Fears

It’s important to confront the fears that plague our minds and souls. By listing our fears, we begin to understand them and can lay them before God, seeking His guidance and strength. Consider the specific anxieties that weigh heavily on you. Perhaps it’s the fear of failure, loss, rejection, or the unknown future. Each fear has the potential to paralyze us, preventing us from living the abundant life that God desires for us. Reflect on Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” This verse reminds us that fear is a part of the human experience, but trust in God transforms our response to it.

By journaling and listing out your fears, you take the first step in a powerful exercise of faith. Name each fear and then write down a corresponding promise from scripture that counteracts that fear. For instance, if you fear the future, remember Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This practice not only brings each fear to light but also reinforces God’s promises, making them more tangible and real in our hearts. In doing so, we turn our fears into opportunities for deeper faith, trusting God to guide us through every valley and storm.