Put Your Trust In God In The Face Of Fear

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

We have each experienced moments that have tested our courage. We’ve faced times when fear gripped our hearts, when people betrayed us, or when circumstances spiraled beyond our control.

In such moments, where do we turn? David provided a deeply personal and powerful answer. During one of the darkest periods of his life, Psalm 56 contains a heartfelt cry to God.

O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. Psalm 56:1

Even filled with raw emotion, David stayed grounded in his unwavering faith. As we explore this Psalm, we’ll uncover a message of hope for every Christian facing fear, anxiety, or opposition.

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As David ran from King Saul, he found himself in enemy territory, that of the Philistines. He experienced more than a metaphorical fear; he faced a real threat of death.

So David escaped from Saul and went to King Achish of Gath. But the officers of Achish were unhappy about his being there. “Isn’t this David, the king of the land?” they asked. “Isn’t he the one the people honor with dances, singing, ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 1 Samuel 21:10-11

In this place of desperation, David composed a song of the trust he put in God. He went straight to the source of his trust by asking God to have mercy on him.

I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. Psalm 56:2

Faith Over Fear

He understood the severity of his situation. But we can’t consider his vulnerability as a sign of weakness. No! It stood as a demonstration of his deep trust in God and God’s ability to respond.

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised.” Psalm 56:3-4

This verse stands as one of the most powerful declarations in the entire Psalm. David didn’t deny his fear; instead, he acknowledged it and then made a conscious choice to trust in God.

Every believer today must take this vital principle to heart. Fear is a natural response to danger and uncertainty. Faith, however, is the supernatural choice to trust God despite those feelings.

David’s honesty offers permission to feel fear without shame, while pointing us to a better path. Therefore, we can root our faith in the promises of God when we trust in His Word.

“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?” Psalm 56:10-11

David didn’t find assurance in his own strength, but in God’s Word. The repetition in verse ten emphasizes the importance of God’s promises in overcoming fear.

When we meditate on God’s Word —His promises of protection, provision, and presence —we find solid ground. God’s living and active Word gives us stability, opposed to other things we try.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

God Sees and Cares

When we cling to His Word in times of uncertainty, we invite His peace into our lives. Like David, God has called us to remember and praise Him for what He has already said and done.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. And you have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8

David offered us incredible comfort as he reminded us of God’s awareness of our pain. God sees every tear we shed; He notes and remembers all of our sorrows.

In fact, we have God’s assurance that He will not forget or ignore us. He never distances Himself from our suffering, and has promised that He would never leave us.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

David made a bold declaration to back up what God told Joshua because he knew God wouldn’t leave him. His circumstances didn’t hinder his confidence in God.

It came because of his relationship with the Lord. Though surrounded by enemies, he stood firm and put his trust in God. He maintained complete assurance that God would stay on his side.

“My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!” Psalm 56:9

David didn’t make this declaration based on wishful thinking, but rather, he put his faith into action. He believed in the sovereignty and goodness of God, even when surrounded by danger.

When we feel surrounded by fear, uncertainty, opposition, or despair, we can also echo David’s words. We can put our trust in God and declare with full assurance that He remains on our side.

Trust God for a Life of Gratitude and Obedience

“I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.” Psalm 56:12

Gratitude flows from faith. David remained committed to fulfilling his vows and expressing gratitude. Even before his situation changed, he expressed trust in God through worship.

What a powerful reminder that worship must precede our responding to answered prayer. We must do so by demonstrating our faith in God’s ongoing faithfulness with worship.

God has called Christians to live lives marked by gratitude and thankfulness by “giving thanks in all circumstances.” Gratitude shifts our focus from fear to faith, from problems to promises.

David’s gratitude to God enabled him to close this Psalm with a triumphant conclusion. He looked beyond his present danger and saw the ultimate rescue provided by God.

The words of this final verse foreshadow the salvation offered through Christ. To trust Him means He will rescue us from eternal death into the light of the presence of God.

“For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” Psalm 56:13

For believers, this verse points to the joy of walking with God daily. His presence brings light, life, and purpose. When we walk in His light, darkness will not overcome us.

When we feel overwhelmed, we can turn to this Psalm. It reminds us that God always sees and hears us. Plus, our Savior Jesus, the Light of the World, leads us into a life of peace and hope.

Lord, we live in a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Help us to lean into your promises, God, to trust your Word, and walk in your light. Remind us that you will never leave us.