Why Be Afraid?

perfectlycomp
Jun 15, 2023
2 min read

Have you ever felt surrounded by enemies and worn down from the battle? David was in a place like this when he wrote Psalm 56. He was on the run from Saul, hiding in the Philistine city of Gath. (See 1 Samuel 21.)

David’s being attacked and hounded; he’s afraid for his life and calling out for God’s mercy. Then he chooses to put his trust in God.

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. - Psalm 56:3 NLT

David makes an amazing commitment here. He will trust the Lord even when he’s afraid. That can be when it’s hardest to trust, when everything is going against you and it’s hard to see a way out.

But something happens in David’s heart when he makes this statement. It seems in making this commitment, David has reminded himself Who God is and all He had promised David. The very next verse says:

I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? - Psalm 56:4 NLT

When I turn to God and commit to trusting Him with everything, His peace will calm my heart and take away my fears. David repeats this thought in Psalm 56:10-11, after recounting what his enemies have tried and how God has protected him in verses 5-9.

I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the LORD for what he

has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can

mere mortals do to me? - Psalm 56:10-11 NLT

Did you notice how David doubles down on his declaration to praise the Lord? I think this is a beautiful response to reflecting on how God has shown His power and love in our lives. Don’t worry or be afraid of what might happen; tell the world who God is and what He has done. My praise, with thanksgiving, honor and bless my Father in heaven. This also blesses those who hear and encourages my own heart to trust Him more every day.