Psalm 56–When I am Afraid

As a small boy, I had the duty of taking out the trash and placing it in the dumpster behind our house.  The time for this chore was usually after dark and after supper.  As a little guy, I knew there were monsters and creatures outside in the dark so that chore was unnerving to say the least. 

In Sunday school one week, this psalm was the subject.  Verse 3 became the very first bible verse I memorized as a child. “What time I am afraid; I will trust in thee!”  Psalm 56:3. The verse became my Montra on those dark nights traveling out to the trash.  The verse carried me through the many traumatic days and nights growing up and even as an adult! It was a verse my children learned as well.

David knew God was the object of his faith and the answer to his fears.  He was hated by many and the target for scorn and destruction.  Still, David based his life and faith on God’s strength and promise. As such, even when things seemed hopeless, David was able to carry on and remain victorious in the Lord.

We can never forget God must be our fortress, shield, and provision.  Then whenever we are afraid, whether at age 8 or as king of God’s nation, we can trust in God to protect, prepare, and provide for our every need–even when we are afraid!

God Bless You

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Be merciful to me, my God,
    for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
    all day long they press their attack.
² My adversaries pursue me all day long;
    in their pride many are attacking me.

³ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
⁴     In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?

⁵ All day long they twist my words;
    all their schemes are for my ruin.
⁶ They conspire, they lurk,
    they watch my steps,
    hoping to take my life.
⁷ Because of their wickedness do not^[c] let them escape;
    in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

⁸ Record my misery;
    list my tears on your scroll^[d]—
    are they not in your record?
⁹ Then my enemies will turn back
    when I call for help.
    By this I will know that God is for me.

¹⁰ In God, whose word I praise,
    in the Lord, whose word I praise—
¹¹ in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can man do to me?

¹² I am under vows to you, my God;
    I will present my thank offerings to you.
¹³ For you have delivered me from death
    and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
    in the light of life.