Dread

kills

Scripture Reading: Psalm 64; 1 Corinthians 12

Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. – Psalm 64:1-

Sometimes it’s not the actual attack that wears us down—it’s the dread of what might happen. That kind of worry has a sharper edge. It whispers:

• Will they try to ruin my reputation?

• Will I lose my job?

• Will they lie about me to my friends?

• Will they come after my family?

We lie awake at night rehearsing possibilities. And in the process, dread robs us—of sleep, joy, peace, even our hope.

But here’s the thing: dread doesn’t change a single circumstance. It doesn’t soften the heart of an enemy. It only steals from us.

The psalmist shows us a better way: “Hear my voice, O God … preserve my life from dread.” God doesn’t tell us to pretend we’re not afraid. He invites us to bring that fear to Him—honestly, with complaint if needed—and ask Him to guard our joy, preserve our peace, and restore our hope.

We can’t control the heart of someone who hates us. But by God’s grace, we can control how we respond—and whether dread rules us or Christ does.

Maybe you’re living under attack right now, or maybe you just feel the shadow of it. Either way, the old hymn still gives the best advice:

“Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee;
Thou wilt find a solace there.”