I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Most often, when we read this passage ourselves, we see it as a cry of deliverance or victory in the face of danger. Certainly, it is one. But, if we pay attention to the first part of the verse, we see that in David's mind, when he says "I sought the Lord", it is rather an expression of praise and gratitude to the Lord who delivered him from all his fears.
Figuratively, the word “Seek” refers to times of intense prayer. This brings out the idea of dedication and total faith in God to find answers. The deliverance mentioned by David was the result of intense prayer to God for His presence and help. David's praise leads us to see the manifestation of God's goodness to those who seek Him by faith in prayer.
It is this same spirit of total consecration in moments of intense prayer that James wants to teach his readers when he says: "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." (James 4:3 - NIV) - Perhaps because they were not looking for God but for the solution to their problems. They wanted an immediate answer to their prayer. In this sense, James asks us today to follow the example of David, seeking the Lord fervently in moments of intense prayer and he will deliver us from all our fears.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.