Tuesday, August 9, 2016
It is widely believed that David wrote Psalm 56 while being hotly pursued by the Philistines in Gath. It was at that time that he turned to God for mercy and courage. In verse three he wrote: “When I am afraid, I (will) put my trust in you.” Please bear in mind that he did not say that if he were ever to be afraid, he would trust in God. Rather, what he clearly implied was that every time he was afraid, he trusted in the Lord.
This is important because many of God’s children sincerely believe that if they are afraid, either their faith is weak or else they have sinned against the Lord. The great Bible Commentator, Matthew Henry wrote this about verse 3: [ In the midst of his complaints, (David) and before he has said what he has to say of his enemies, he triumphs in the divine protection. He resolves to make God his confidence, then when dangers were most threatening and all other confidences failed: “What time I am afraid, in the day of my fear, when I am most terrified from without and most timorous within, then I will trust in Thee, and thereby my fears shall be silenced.” Note, there are some times which are, in a special manner, times of fear with God’s people. In this time it is their duty and interest to trust in God as their God, and to know whom they have trusted. This will fix the heart and keep it in peace. ] I wholeheartedly agree with this position and formula and although I can see why many Christians would not want to make it known every time they are afraid, the truth is that no one can comfort or encourage us in those times better than God.
Although I will confess it at times, I seldom tell others when I am afraid. First, it is not necessary because once I ask the Lord in faith to help me, the issue is resolved. Secondly, those around me whose faith is weak, could be negatively affected by it. Thirdly, I don’t want the devil to know when I’m afraid because he will then know when and how to attack me in the future. The devil is not like God. He only knows what he sees or hears, unlike God who knows our hearts and minds. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter much whether or not we tell others when we are afraid; the bottom line is that when we are and ask the Lord to help us, He always will. Next time you are afraid or if you are afraid right now, lift up your prayer to God. This formula works! That’s a promise!
God’s promise for today: (Psalm 112:7) “They (those who trust in God) will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
