Psalm 3 Teaching: Trust in Crisis | Show Notes

"When life feels like you're running for your life, where do you turn?"

In this episode of Wholistic Hearts, Kristin Chadwick takes us deep into Psalm 3 to discover how to trust God in the midst of crisis. Written by King David while literally fleeing for his life from his own son Absalom's rebellion, this psalm offers us a timeless three-step pattern for navigating overwhelming circumstances with faith instead of fear.

Join Kristin as she unpacks the fascinating neuroscience behind speaking truth out loud, explores how worship becomes a spiritual weapon, and shares practical ways to find God's peace even when life feels chaotic. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, grief, betrayal, or any overwhelming situation, this episode will equip you with biblical tools for breakthrough and remind you that God's heart is to protect and surround you with His glory.

Key Scripture References

• Psalm 3 (primary text - read from Passion Translation)
• 2 Samuel 15-18 (Absalom's rebellion context)
• 2 Chronicles 20 (Jehoshaphat's victory through worship)
• Paul and Silas in prison (worship in persecution)

The Pattern of Trust: Trusting in Crisis

1. Acknowledge the Reality (lowercase "t" truth)

David didn't ignore his fear - he acknowledged it honestly before God. He faced overwhelming enemies, betrayal, and isolation. Today we might face anxiety, depression, grief, or overwhelming circumstances, but like David, we can bring our honest struggles to Jesus without pretense.

2. Remember Who God Is (Capital "T" Truth)

David spoke what he knew to be true about God - that Yahweh had become his shield and protector. He reminded himself of kingdom truth even in crisis.

3. Declare Truth Out Loud

David used his voice to speak truth over his circumstances. The power of verbal declaration goes far beyond positive thinking - it literally rewires our brains for trust instead of fear through neuroplasticity.

The Neuroscience of Speaking Truth

Discover how your brain changes when you speak truth aloud:

• Neuroplasticity - Creating new neural pathways through repeated truth declarations
• Multi-sensory engagement - Activating motor cortex (forming words), auditory cortex (hearing yourself), language centers (processing meaning), and memory centers (storing what you've said)
• Breaking rumination loops - Interrupting repetitive negative thought patterns and those middle-of-the-night "what if" spirals
• Reticular Activating System (RAS) - Training your brain's filter to notice God's protection more readily (like noticing red Corvettes after you decide to buy one)
• Parasympathetic nervous system activation - Calming your stress response and regulating cortisol levels

Worship as a Weapon

Kristin explores why this is the first psalm labeled "mizmor" (psalm for instrumental accompaniment) and shares powerful biblical examples:

• Jehoshaphat's victory (2 Chronicles 20) - worship team sent out first in battle
• Paul and Silas - choosing worship over despair in prison
• Personal testimony - how worship has changed the atmosphere in overwhelming seasons

Practical Ways to Create Space for Worship:

• Worshipping in your parked car in the driveway
• Sitting in a prayer closet singing out loud
• Laying on the floor and soaking it in
• Hiking with worship music in your AirPods
• Playing an instrument and letting it flow
• Dancing it out in your living room
• Praising loudly and speaking truth over your circumstances

Journal Prompts for Reflection

(These are Kristin's favorite prompts to get to the heart of what's happening internally)

1. "If I'm honest, ___..." - Acknowledge the lowercase "t" truth of your current struggle
2. How has God shown up for you in the past? - Remember His faithfulness and protection
3. What capital "T" truths do you need to declare over your mind, body, and spirit? - Speak kingdom truth over your circumstances
4. What worship song could become your battle song this season? - Find your anthem of faith

This Week's Challenge

• Take time to sit before Jesus and journal through the reflection prompts
• Use the upcoming Psalm 3 Encounter episode as an on-ramp for deeper connection
• Pick out a worship song to strengthen and shield your heart this week
• Remember: Sometimes we don't need more songs - we just need to believe the ones we're singing and feel them in our hearts (Selah - pause and let it sink in)

Resources Mentioned

🎵 Wholistic Hearts Spotify Playlist: "Encountering the Book of Psalms" (link in show notes) 📖 Recommended Reading: "You're Crazy If You Don't Talk to Yourself" by Steve Backlund **Amazon Affiliate

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