Psalms Reading – 2.21.2022
Psalm 56
For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.
1 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.
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?
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 let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— 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.
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?
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.
13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of life.
If you want to read about the historical background for this psalm, it is found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.
David is still on the run from King Saul who wants him dead. The top spiritual leader of the nation wants to kill the Lord’s anointed one from becoming the next king.
Twice in this song, with slightly different wording, we sing David’s central message found in verses 3-4 and 10-11. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise-in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
David acknowledged his fear. He had reason to fear in his human spirit. A massive mob was out to kill him, but he believed his God was bigger and greater.
What do you do when you are afraid? Do you acknowledge it? Do you dig deeper and trust in yourself or someone else? I love David’s simple answer, “I put my trust in You.”
Fear for David was a reminder to, once again, fully trust in God, not in himself, not in anyone else. He praises God for His word, for His reassuring promises that He is present and powerful. David convinces himself as he speaks such trust over and over. God is the one He will trust. He will not fear mortals because ultimately what can they do?
Jesus said it this way,
Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
The next time you face a fearful situation, I encourage you to say something like this, “I put my trust in You. I praise You for Your faithful promises. I will not be afraid.”
Memory Verse: Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Question(s) to Consider: What do you do when you are afraid? How can David’s example help you to trust and not to fear? What will you say to God?