When Fear Overwhelms: Finding Confidence in God - Psalm 27

I’ll never forget the night Rachel came down the stairs, phone in hand, looking completely distraught. Without a word, she threw the phone to me and collapsed on the steps, head between her legs.

Our oldest son, just sixteen at the time, was on the other end. "Dad, I’ve been in an accident."

We gathered ourselves, raced out the door, and arrived before first responders. The car had flipped, completely totaled. But our son? Not a scratch on him.

Rachel, on the other hand, ended up getting cutnot from the accident, but from trying to retrieve her binder full of coupons from the wreckage.

That night could have ended so much differently. Fear, anxiety, and worst-case scenarios filled our minds as we rushed to the scene. But when we saw him standing there, untouched, we were reminded of a truth we so easily forget: The Lord is our protector.

David opens Psalm 27 with this declaration:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

When Fear Feels Overwhelming

Fear has a way of creeping into our hearts. It doesn’t always announce itself through an emergency phone call in the middle of the night. Sometimes, it’s more subtle—lingering anxiety, nagging doubts, or a sense of uncertainty about the future.

David, the writer of Psalm 27, knew what it was like to live with fear. He faced enemies who wanted him dead, betrayals from those closest to him, and seasons of waiting where God seemed silent. And yet, his response wasn’t panic—it was confidence.

"Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident." (Psalm 27:3)

David wasn’t fearless because his circumstances were easy. He was fearless because he knew who was with him. His confidence didn’t come from his own strength but from God’s unshakable presence.

Where Do We Find Confidence?

When life throws us into uncertainty, our confidence is only as strong as what we place it in. Some people place it in financial security, relationships, or personal abilities. But David reminds us that our true security is found in God alone.

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4)

David’s greatest desire wasn’t just protection from his enemies. It was God’s presence. He knew that dwelling with the Lord was the key to true confidence.

What about us? When fear comes, do we first run to solutions, or do we run to the One who holds all things in His hands?

Wait for the Lord

One of the hardest parts of trusting God in uncertain times is waiting. We want instant answers and immediate solutions. But David closes Psalm 27 with a challenge:

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14)

Waiting on God isn’t passive—it’s an active trust that says, "God, I believe you are working even when I don’t see it."

That night, as we stood by our son’s wrecked car, I realized something. The fear we had felt was real, but it didn’t have the final say. God was there before we even arrived. He had protected our son. He was in control.

Whatever you’re facing today, let Psalm 27 remind you—God is your light, your salvation, and your stronghold. You don’t have to be afraid.

Take heart. Be strong. Wait on the Lord.

A Prayer for Confidence in the Lord

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my light and my salvation. When fear threatens to overwhelm me, remind me that You are my refuge. Help me to place my confidence in You, not in the things of this world. Teach me to wait on You with trust, knowing that Your timing is perfect. Strengthen my heart and give me courage to face whatever lies ahead. I surrender my fears to You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What’s Next?

This post is part of my Psalms for the Soul series. You can find more reflections here: Psalms for the Soul.

Next up in the series, we’ll be looking at Psalm 63—A Psalm of Deep Longing for God. Stay tuned!