Pastor Craig Groeschel: What Psalm 34:4 Has to Say About Being Freed From Fears

Do you need some more hope or freedom from fear right now? You’re going to love this message inspired by Psalm 34:4. 

Our pastor, Craig Groeschel, chose to self-quarantine several weeks before most of us really felt the implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) back in 2020. He was never sick, but for 14 days he had the opportunity to experience first-hand what we all need every day: the power of prayer to refresh our brains, bring hope to our hearts, and set us free from fear. 

After those 14 days of reflection, Pastor Craig went on Facebook and YouTube Live to share some personal thoughts about how we can all live free from fear. 

1. Talk about it with people. 

Whether you’re in your home, in a conversation with coworkers, in a LifeGroup group chat, at work, or on the phone with friends and family—you can talk about the reasons for the hope that you have. Here are some questions to help you discuss this message with others: 

• What’s weighing on you and your family right now? Is there anything specific I can pray about when I pray for you?

• Have you found yourself praying more or less through the day? Are there any ways you’ve thought about adding more prayer to your daily routine?

• What are some things that might be causing more stress or worry? How are you replacing them with what’s helpful and hopeful?

• Read Psalm 34:3-6 together, then share your troubles out loud, together, in front of God. Ask Him to come through for you and replace your fear with His peace. 

Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Psalm 34:3-6 NLT

2. Be worshipful. 

What does it mean to be worshipful? Look at Psalm 34:3 NLT: Come let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. It’s reminding yourself and others that God is not just good, but great. Did you notice this verse comes before King David prayed and God freed him from all his fears? Keeping your mind focused on just how good God is is an incredibly powerful way to disrupt the pathways of fear in your brain. In any moment, you can thank God for something. For the weather, for more time with family, for your health, for a place to live, anything. Also, put on worship music where you are. Listen to Life.Church worship here, or find it on iTunes, Spotify, and just about anywhere else you stream music.

3. Pray. 

You can talk with God with your mouth open or closed, with your eyes open or closed, on your feet, seat, or knees, anytime and anywhere. He made you, He loves you, He is close to you, and He wants to hear from you. Prayer is less about saying something the right way so that God will listen, and more about listening to God so He can point you in the right way. Plan prayer into your day and also just drop it in randomly whenever you experience a moment of fear, hope, anxiety, peace, or thankfulness. Here’s a simple prayer to get you started. 

God, You’re so good. Still, I’m little worried about everything that’s going on in the world right now. I put all that in Your hands, and I trust You with it. I give everyone and everything to You. Will You show me how I can spread Your love, hope, and peace today? Amen. 

4. Share it with others.    

Who do you know who needs to hear this message? You can easily share this post with them however you’re staying in touch right now. 

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We’re in this together, and God is with us. Call someone, text someone, video chat with a family member, share this message, read Psalm 34:4 together, and spread the hope that you have.