What To Do When Fear Fuels Our Suffering - Encouragement for Today - November 25, 2025
What To Do When Fear Fuels Our Suffering
DR. JOEL MUDDAMALLE
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“I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.’” Psalm 55:6 (CSB)
Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, Wow, this really resonates with me? Because that's exactly how I feel when reading Psalm 55:4-6:
“My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest’” (CSB).
The raw honesty here is almost startling. David wasn’t sugarcoating or putting on a brave face. He said exactly how he felt when life was coming at him hard.
But here’s what I’ve learned and David discovered, too: Before we are able to fully process suffering, we often need to deal with the fear that’s fueling our suffering.
Fear has this terrible way of keeping us frozen in our pain. It’s like being stuck in quicksand; the more we struggle against it in our own strength, the deeper we sink. The harder we try to pull ourselves out, the faster we sink.
So what’s the first step out of fear? We have to get honest and name it.
David didn’t just say, “I’m scared” — he got specific. He identified his fears as coming from harsh words spoken against him, from people who acted wickedly, and from disaster and harassment caused by those determined to harm him (Psalm 55:3-4). And here’s the part that really stings: Some of this was coming from people he thought were friends (Psalm 55:12-14).
I have a suspicion we could all raise our hands right now, nodding along, saying, “I totally get it.” Betrayal by people we trusted, harsh criticism, feeling attacked or misunderstood — these experiences create fear that can paralyze us.
So how did David handle this? And how are we supposed to handle it when fear threatens to drown us? David said, “But I call to God, and the LORD will save me” (Psalm 55:16, CSB).
That little word “but” is doing some heavy lifting. It’s creating a contrast and inviting us into a marked moment. Everything before it was an honest acknowledgment of pain and fear. Everything that follows is a deliberate choice to turn toward God instead of remaining trapped in terror.
When fear is fueling your suffering, remember David’s progression. Be honest about what you’re feeling, name your specific fears, and then make the conscious choice to call out to God. He hears you. He sees what’s happening. He promises to sustain you through it.
You don’t have to fly like a dove to find rest. You just need to remember that the God who has been enthroned from long ago is still on His throne today, and He’s got you. You don’t need wings because God Himself lifts you and shelters you in His embrace.
Lord, when fear overwhelms me and I long to escape, help me remember You are my refuge. Give me the courage to name my fears and the faith to call out to You, trusting You will sustain me. Thank You for being my resting place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 6:2-4, “Be gracious to me, LORD, for I am weak; heal me, LORD, for my bones are shaking; my whole being is shaken with terror. And you, LORD—how long? Turn, LORD! Rescue me; save me because of your faithful love” (CSB).
One of the reasons we can trust God will hear us is because of His faithful love. The Hebrew word for “faithful love” in Psalm 6:4 is hesed, and it has specific connotations of love that is bound by enduring covenant loyalty.
When fear threatens to derail you, how can you remind yourself of this everlasting and enduring love of God? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
© 2025 by Dr. Joel Muddamalle. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
