Psalm 55:16–18(a) – 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. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage.

As dawn breaks, I lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement. My path inevitably leads me past a used car lot. The fenced-off area, still dormant at this early hour, showcases a variety of automobiles waiting for their new owners.

But it is not the sedans or SUVs that catch my eye first; it is the formidable security system—a state-of-the-art Rottweiler, a hundred-pound powerhouse of a pooch.

As I approach, like clockwork, the massive dog charges toward me, teeth bared, growling as if I were a threat to his territory. Yet, I am no thief, just someone innocently passing on the sidewalk. As it dashes toward the fence, the dog’s ferocity never fails to send a jolt of fear rushing through me.

I have found that the fence is my friend. Now, as I jog past, I meet the dog’s ferocious gaze with a knowing grin.

“You can’t hurt me,” I scoff

If only I could carry this same assurance when facing the assaults of the enemy. Just like that chain link fence stands between me and the vicious dog, God offers His protection against the prowling dangers of Satan.

When I pray God’s truth, I find Him powerfully shielding me. It is always present. When I embrace it, I reinforce my trust in the safety of that protection, and I can continue running my race with confidence.

Maybe you’ve got something nipping at your heels right now—anxiety, doubt, fear that shows up when you least expect it. What would it look like to face it head-on today, not in your strength, but grounded in prayer?

If you are weary from running scared, let prayer remind you of the truth: you are not unprotected. You are not alone. That fence is stronger than it looks.

— Tammi Arender