Throughout our life journey, even as Christians, there are moments when we feel unsafe. This feeling doesn’t just come when we are walking in a dark alley where a robber or someone with malicious intent may do us harm. We may feel unsafe at any point in our lives. It could be that a missionary is going to a nation where Christianity is severely persecuted. A person who has been emotionally and mentally abused by people in the past may currently feel unsafe with their present friends, fearing that they will experience the same internal turmoil again. Also, it could be that a person is in a community where gossip is prevalent. Hence, they are fearful about being gossiped about or betrayed by those they trust. However, no matter how unsafe we may feel, we can take heart and not be afraid, for Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”).
Father in heaven, no matter how unsafe I may feel wherever I am, thank You because You are my refuge and my fortress. You are my strong tower to whom I run. My fear does not change the truth that I am always in Your hands in Christ. Therefore, I am always safe. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
How to Pray When You Feel Unsafe
How to Pray When You Feel Unsafe
What Can You Pray When Feeling Unsafe?
Though there are many things from the Scriptures you can pray about whenever you feel unsafe, we will focus on Psalm 23. In fact, this is one of our most comforting Psalms and is suitable for those who feel unsafe wherever they are on their life journey.
Psalm 23 was written by David, who was once a shepherd himself. It talks about how God is our good shepherd. Psalm 23:1 already starts with a very comforting verse, saying that the Lord is our shepherd. At first glance, you may see nothing comforting in that verse, but look closer. Psalm 23:1 specifically says, “The LORD is my shepherd.” This means that there is a personal sense to it. If we are in Christ, then we can say that the Lord is our shepherd who is with us even in times when we feel unsafe.
The next verse then tells us that God makes us lie in green pastures. He leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. Knowing that God is the restorer of our souls is another comforting truth. It means that whatever fear we may feel, such as being betrayed by our close friends, we know that God is the One who restores the entirety of our being.
Verse 4 then tells us that even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, which surely would make us all feel unsafe, we shall fear no evil. Why shall we fear no evil? Because God is with us. His rod and staff comfort us. To bring that to the next level, the next verse tells us that God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. The word “table,” from the context of the Old Testament, is associated with feasts. This means that even in the presence of our enemies, a scenario where surely anyone would feel unsafe, we can have joy, security, and safety in God as we feast on Christ. It is something that only those who are in Christ can experience.
Lastly, verse 6 tells us that God’s goodness and mercy will surely follow us all the days of our lives. Not only do we have a good shepherd who leads us, but we also have His goodness and mercy guarding us at our backs. We are always to remind ourselves, even in the midst of a dark valley where we feel unsafe, His goodness and mercy follow us throughout our lives.
Heavenly Father, I thank You because Christ is our good shepherd who always watches over us and takes good care of us. We know that we are always in good hands, for Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, and Your providence is at work in every detail. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
How to Pray When You Feel Unsafe
How Can You Pray Whenever You Feel Unsafe?
Whenever you feel unsafe, you can look for Scriptures that can comfort you. Psalm 23 is just one example. When you find a passage that brings you comfort, you can then pray that Scripture. Confess and remind yourself of that particular comforting truth. Below is an example of such a prayer based on Isaiah 41:10, which says
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed;
for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea,
I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
How to Pray When You Feel Unsafe
Here is how you can pray Isaiah 41:10:
Father in heaven, I am afraid that the people I am with will hurt, judge, and betray me again. I don’t know what tomorrow may bring, whether grief or happiness. However, I know that You are with me, and that is my reminder not to fear. You are always with me. You will strengthen, help, and uphold me with Your right hand. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
How to Pray When You Feel Unsafe
We don’t know what tomorrow brings, and perhaps that is one of the reasons we feel unsafe. However, Romans 8:28 tells us that everything works together for our good no matter what tomorrow holds. God is still sovereign (Psalm 97), and He is always faithful. We can count on that every day. His steadfast love always endures, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).