Mid-Psalm the text shifts from the psalmist speaking about God to hearing God’s words spoken. What a promise we find here! When we call on Him, He will answer. When we face times of trouble and conflict, He will deliver us. When we remain steadfast in our faith, He honors us. Protection from earthly sources—weapons, body guards, money in the bank—might be strong, but they’re temporal. God’s protection is the only protection that is eternal. We can trust God completely and wholeheartedly to exercise His sovereign power and work His will for our good and His glory. He protects us (probably many times when we aren’t even aware of it), listens to our concerns and petitions, and answers us by being present with us. When we rest in Him and His promises, we can walk free of fear. Faith over fear…the best pathway.