Psalm 116:3 says, “Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.”
Have you ever felt gripped by fear, paralysed by racing thoughts, or overwhelmed by relentless worry? I’ve been there. There are times when anxiety feels like a trap, where every frightening thought the enemy plants in my mind spirals into worry and steals my peace. John 10:10 tells us that the enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. Anxiety is one of his tools, filling our minds with fear and making us question everything. When we dwell on these thoughts, our peace is lost, and our joy fades.
I’ve even imagined the worst for myself—painted pictures in my mind that left me drained and discouraged. As an introvert, I spend a lot of time in my thoughts, which makes it easy for the enemy to feed my anxieties. This back-and-forth in my mind keeps me from being still, and without stillness, I can’t hear from God (Psalm 46:10).
But Psalm 116 goes on with a powerful answer in verses 4-7: “Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘Please, Lord, save me!’ How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.”
This is all we need to do in our times of fear—call on God. He is kind, merciful, and good, ready to lift us out of fear. When we call on Him, our soul finds rest again. Just think: by simply turning to Him in prayer, we find a peace that silences every anxious thought.
Psalm 116 speaks so directly to anxiety. In verses 11-12, it says, “In my anxiety I cried out to you, ‘These people are all liars!’ What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?” This reassurance is such a gift. God truly loves us and protects us, even from the grip of anxiety. He chose us, called us, and equips us with His Word. Hosea 4:6 reminds us that people perish for lack of knowledge, and it’s true—there is a word for every situation.
If I hadn’t known this chapter, I might still be struggling. The enemy would have continued to take advantage of my anxious thoughts. But now, with God’s Word as my armour, I am free, knowing that truth protects me. The devil’s goal is to keep us from knowing this truth because without it, he can torment us. But God’s love and protection break every chain.
Let this be a reminder to stay close to His Word, for in it, we find the truth that sets us free. May you walk in peace today, resting in His goodness.