Psalm 56:3 – Are You Afraid?

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

We are all afraid of something. Maybe it’s an upcoming test at school, or spiders hiding in the closet, or getting old, or being left behind, or getting married, or becoming a parent. Depending on our season of life, our fears change. But this verse suggests that whenever fear finds us, trusting in God is the answer.

Context (Psalm 56): This psalm is ascribed to David when he was fearful for his life, having been seized by the enemy. Despite his situation, David’s words are very encouraging. David doesn’t forget to praise God amidst his storm in life. In fact, he praises God in word and deed. I like how David speaks of walking in the LORD’s life-giving light.

That image of a “life-giving light” is so comforting. The warmth and security of Jesus’ light seems hard to describe. Being rejuvenated by the light beaming off the LORD sounds like heaven for sure. We don’t have to wait until the end to experience the light, especially when it’s living inside us.

We don’t have to fear. The Bible is pretty clear on that because we see the recurring theme of “don’t be afraid.” Those comforting words of encouragement also acknowledge that we will face fear. It’s inevitable. Our confident hope lies in Jesus. We can and should trust in him, especially when we’re afraid.

If fear is a sure thing, it’s good we have verses like this. Others have a similar message to not fear. Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorite stand-against-fear verses. It says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” There’s a lot there to give us reason to set fear aside. To do that we need to trust God.

It’s amazing the freedom of release you feel when you truly allow God to take your fear. God also takes away anxiety, restlessness, envy, greed, any of the demons we struggle with. What hurt or sin are you holding on to that you want to let go?

Most of the time we don’t like to talk about our fears and doubts. Do we assume that if hidden they’ll miraculously evaporate? I suppose we can hope at least. But God knows what we are facing, and he is right there beside us to get us through. We are not alone; that is another promise Jesus makes for us.

In Jesus’ command to us in his absence, found in Matthew 28:20, we read, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus says it straight up that he is with us always. We’re near or in that “end of the age” time right now.

Some people fear the end of the world. The wisdom of this verse is to trust God. That’s the wise and comforting thing to do when there is fear and uncertainty. Trust Him and then get ready to watch Him move.

Let’s pray. Lord, you comfort my soul and give me hope in my time of fear. Help me to rely on you and trust you more each day. I need to stay brave in this world as I watch it changing before my eyes. I will not be afraid for you are beside me. Thank you for your promise never to abandon me.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.