David was very afraid. Like “The Fugitive,” he was running from King Saul and had nowhere else to turn. He lied to a priest to save his life, resulting in the deaths of the priest and 85 other holy men and their families. To make matters worse, he ran to the presence of another enemy, the Philistines, in hopes of being safe. His enemies from all around were trampling and pursuing him. It was a dangerous and desperate situation. He was alone and afraid.
Is this ever you? Are you ever alone and afraid? Maybe you face an enemy against you, a co-worker or boss or neighbor or family member. What dangerous or desperate situation are you in today? No place to live? Economic hardships, overdue bills and “more month than money?” A medical emergency or a diagnosis of disease? Are you a widow facing loneliness or a parent grieving for a wayward child? Fear can show up in many forms and at any time. What will you do?
We can learn a lot from David’s prayer in Psalm 56. This is what David prayed in his dark hour of fear: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Faith overcomes fear. There is confidence in God. He is a God to trust in, a God to praise. Praising fights our fears. Praise and His Word are the weapons we wield to combat fear.
In your time of fear, remember God’s blessings and wonderful deeds! He is a God to trust in. What has He done for you in the past? He is a refuge and stronghold and tower to take shade under. If you are a Christian, the greatest thing He has done is saved you from His anger and hell and wrath. You can trust Him in lesser things. He will take care of His children, and you are His child if you are born again through Christ. He will meet ALL your needs, according to His riches and glory in Christ. If God is for you, then who can be against you? What weapon formed against you can prosper? He will never leave you nor forsake you. There is no need to fear. Fear not, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom, and He has not given you a spirit of fear for today, but power, and love, and self-control.
David concludes, “In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I perform my vows to you, O God; I render thank offerings to you, for you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” Amen.