The Main Idea
This week, we’re starting a new series with one of the most powerful and universal emotions: fear. Fear shows up early in life and sticks around. Whether it’s fear of failure, the future, or being forgotten, scripture reminds us we don’t have to be held captive by fear. Psalm 3 teaches us to name our fear, look to God, and rest in His protection and presence.
Scriptures
Psalms 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1 Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”[b]
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
7 Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Questions for Discussion
- What’s something silly you were afraid of as a kid? (icebreaker)
- What’s the difference between fear and anxiety, and how have you experienced both?
- Read Psalm 3:1–8. How does David process his fear differently than we often do?
- What does it mean for God to be your “shield” and “glory”? How does that change how we respond to fear?
- What fear do you need to name and bring to God this week? How can the group pray for and encourage you?
This week, take time to slow down and pray honestly. Write down your fear. Talk to God about it. Look to Him as your shield. Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s fear that has said its prayers.
