Skip to main content

4 Steps to be Free from Anxiety [Psalm 55]

Header Image - Man praying

Hey Truth Seeker!

Are you experiencing a difficult time in your life? Do you wish to be set free from anxiety you may be experiencing?

King David experienced extreme anxiety many times, and he wrote a Psalm that gives us a great insight into God’s way of overcoming anxiety.

David wrote Psalm 55 during a betrayal from someone close to him. He had to flee Jerusalem for safety, and lived in the wilderness with his loyal followers. This was a very low point in his life that can be read here: 2 Samuel 15.

Many of God’s people have turned to the psalms for comfort during hard times as well as direction as to what they should do.

It ends with such a great solution to stress and anxiety of life’s troubles, and, in this post, I’ve organized these thoughts of David into four steps (I’ve also included a bonus step from the New Testament).

Let’s begin!

Step 1: Pray to the LORD. He is our Salvation!

Psalm 55:16-17 But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.

Every evening, morning, and at noon, call upon God! He is where we find our safety, and nowhere else.

There is a consistency in seeking God that David has in his prayer life. It’s where all help begins, by seeking God throughout the day. Every evening, every morning, and every day.

A life free from anxiety is one that calls upon God daily.

Step 2: Recognize that He is in control!

Psalm 55:18-19 He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah

In this step, take a moment to recognize that God is in control of all things. Recognize what God has already done in your life, and recognize He will be exalted in all the world.

God says in Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

David is saying this here as well. God is on the throne. All will be set right. We can recognize this now, and rest upon this truth.

Step 3: Cast your burden on the LORD (and leave it there!)

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

If I gave you a car, I would have no right to grab the keys and drive it whenever I want. It’s yours, and I have to ask first. Casting your anxieties and burdens on God is the same. They’re not yours, anymore, and you have no right to them. Don’t cast them, and take them back.

Instead, allow the One who is in control of all things to sustain you during difficult times. Replace that burden with being sustained. If you belong to Him there are many promises that you can stand upon.

Step 4: Despite everything — Trust in God.

Psalm 55:23 But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.

You can acknowledge the treachery of others, and the evil in the world, but their end is coming. Therefore, set yourself apart from that, and trust in God.

Despite your circumstances. Despite what others are doing. Trust in God alone!

We keep our eyes on the LORD, and not the storm.

Bonus Step: Humble yourself

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Peter quoted this psalm to Christians who were being killed for their faith in Jesus. He understood that God is who sustains us through the hardest times, and could confidently quote it.

He adds into this idea to humble yourself. If you find it difficult to cast your anxieties on God, perhaps you are still acting as your own provider. For this, you must repent, and humble yourself. Place yourself and God in their correct places in your heart.

Peter says leaning upon God requires humility, and recognizing God’s care and love for his people.

Conclusion

Whatever you’re going through, if you’re desiring to be set free from anxiety and worry I encourage you to do these steps:

  1. Call upon the LORD, He is our Savior.
  2. Recognize that He is in control of all things.
  3. Cast your burdens upon God, and leave them there.
  4. And finally, despite all circumstances, trust in God.

If you struggle with trusting God, humble yourself. And see what God does in your situation!

This promise isn’t for everyone, though, but for His people. If you want to be a part of God’s family, through His Son, then click here.

Leave a Reply