One of the sources of fear or anxiety is not having a good fellowship with God. We may be too busy with work and daily responsibilities that we are not spending enough time with the Lord. We are too tired to read our Bible and pray. We may use entertainment to relax our minds instead of spending time with the Lord in prayer and His Word. When David was dealing with fear because of all his enemies, there was only one place where he could find solitude, and that was to be in the presence of God. David wrote in Psalm 27:4-5, "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock."
David found peace in the presence of God. We can be in the presence of God in our prayers and His Word. When we spend time pouring our hearts to God, lifting up all our concerns, and praising and thanking God for all His goodness, something happens in our hearts. The Spirit of God begins to minister to our spirits and bring peace to our hearts and minds. When we pray by faith, believing in our hearts that God hears our prayers, God will give us peace beyond our understanding. Many people will use meditation and yoga to get peace in their minds, but praying to God is far better than just meditation and yoga. When we pray, we talk to God, who created the universe and everything in it. We talk to God, who has power over nature and can change our circumstances. Prayer is not about repetitive words that we memorize but prayers that come from sincere hearts that are transparent to our God.
God wants to hear our hearts. He wants us to spend time with Him by pouring our hearts and thanksgiving to Him. Being in the presence of God in prayer and His Word can overcome our fears and anxiety. David found solitude and peace in the presence of God, and so we can do the same.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Where did David find peace and solitude? How can I find peace and solitude in the midst of my fear and anxiety? Am I willing to change my schedule and habits to spend more time in the presence of God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me this morning that I can overcome fear and anxiety by being in your presence. Please help me to spend more time with you in prayer and your Word. Please help me to change my schedule or habits to spend more time in your presence. You are the only one who can change my circumstances and can change my heart and others. Please help me to rest in your presence and have peace of mind. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.