Psalm 35 KJV Devotional: Finding Courage in David’s Plea for Protection

By Lillian Hart

There are days when words fail us—when our hearts are heavy, our thoughts are scattered, and all we can do is cry out for help. On days like that, I often turn to the Psalms, and lately, I’ve found myself drawn to one in particular: Psalm 35 KJV.

It’s not one of the “quiet streams” Psalms. It doesn’t wrap up neatly with joy and peace. Psalm 35 is raw, messy, and deeply human—a plea from David’s heart when he was under attack, misunderstood, and betrayed. And perhaps that’s why I find it so comforting.

Because sometimes, we need permission to pray like David did—boldly, honestly, and without filters.

A Cry for Protection

Psalm 35 KJV begins like this:

“Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.”—Psalm 35:1 (KJV)

There is a holy desperation in that opening line. David doesn’t try to sound composed—he begs God to take up his case, to stand in his defense.

There have been moments in my own life when I’ve felt surrounded—not by armies, but by stress, fear, criticism, or confusion. And in those moments, I didn’t need a perfect prayer. I needed a God who would fight for me.

Psalm 35 KJV reminds us: it's okay to ask God for protection—not only physical, but emotional and spiritual as well.

When You Feel Misunderstood

One of the most relatable parts of Psalm 35 comes in verse 11:

“False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.”

David’s pain wasn’t just about physical danger—it was about being wrongly accused and unfairly judged. That kind of wound cuts deep. And for anyone who’s ever been misunderstood, slandered, or misrepresented, these words echo like a mirror to our own pain.

But what’s powerful about this psalm is that David doesn’t retaliate—he brings his pain to God. He doesn’t bottle it up or act like it doesn’t hurt. He names it. He grieves it. And he places it in the hands of a just and loving God.

That’s the invitation of Psalm 35 KJV: to bring our injustice, our wounds, our confusion—and hand them to God, trusting that He sees and He knows.

God Sees It All

Psalm 35 doesn’t offer a quick resolution. David’s enemies don’t immediately disappear. But woven throughout the psalm is a thread of trust:

“Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt… And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation.”—Psalm 35:4, 9 (KJV)

Even in the middle of turmoil, David roots his hope in who God is—a righteous defender, a source of joy, a God who saves.

I’ve learned in my own walk with God that healing often doesn’t come with a thunderclap. Sometimes, it comes slowly—like courage rising in your chest when you wake up to a hard day and choose to keep going. Like hope flickering when you open your Bible and remember that you’re not alone.

When You Don’t Know What to Pray

If you're in a season where you feel under attack—maybe by anxiety, uncertainty, or even people around you—Psalm 35 KJV gives you words when you don’t have your own.

It shows us that we can be honest with God. That it’s okay to say:

• "I’m scared."

• "This isn’t fair."

• "Please protect me."

• "Please fight for me."

God isn’t looking for polished prayers—He’s looking for surrendered hearts.

And Psalm 35 shows us exactly how to do that.

A Prayer Inspired by Psalm 35 KJV

Lord, I don’t have fancy words today. Just a heart that feels heavy and a soul that needs Your defense. Fight for me, Lord, in the places I can’t fight for myself. Where I’ve been misunderstood, comfort me.Where I feel weak, strengthen me. Where I feel surrounded, remind me that You go before me. Help me trust that You see what I can’t. That You are just, and You are near. I place this battle in Your hands. Amen.

Final Thought: Courage Grows in the Cry

The beauty of Psalm 35 KJV is that it doesn’t gloss over pain. It doesn’t pretend life is easy. Instead, it offers a real, courageous faith—the kind that cries out in the middle of the storm and says, “God, I need You to see this. I need You to move.”

And that kind of faith? It moves mountains.

You may not see the outcome yet. But take heart—God hears your cry. And He is already at work.