When I Am Afraid

Vol. 17 No. 18 | May 5, 2014

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV)

Psalm 56 expresses why David is regarded as an uncomplaining, meek dove, driven from his native home to wander in exile. He appears to be disturbed by both domestic and foreign foes. David appeals confidently to God, recites his complaints, and closes with joyful and assured anticipations of God’s continued help. [Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), Ps 56:1–13.]

This short portion of the psalm consists of only thirty-one words but offers some important insights on how to deal with fear and unpleasant circumstances.

First, admit your fears. David states, “When I am afraid.” He does not say, “I’m not afraid, but if I were this is how I would deal with it.” He simply says, “When I am afraid.” Can you admit your fear? Are you afraid for other people to know you are afraid? That could be a problem. Will you admit your fears?

Second, when you are afraid, trust God. Stay in His word and trust His word. Trust His promises. Trust His promise that you can trust Him. Read the stories of God’s faithful people. Examine the lives of people who trusted God. David. Moses. Abraham. Joshua and Caleb. Peter. Paul.

Third, do not be afraid. We have already commented on how David admits his fear, and there are times when we are afraid. When we are, we muster all our strength and courage and act courageous. We call these people heroes. Even heroes, when they are being honest will admit they were afraid. No one can hurt me.

Could you write a verse of a Psalm like David? Maybe not as poetic, but here’s my attempt:

Father, there are times when I am scared. At those times, I try to trust. In my heart I do trust you, but my actions sometimes betray my lack of trust.

When I get scared, I try to read my Bible more to remind me of Your faithfulness to those who trust You. That helps. Your word and Your stories remind me that that I am not alone. Others have traveled this road before me. You provided them with strength and confidence. I believe You will do the same for me.

I will try not to be afraid. I will remind myself that You will protect me and that there is nothing that another human being can do to me that will separate me from You. I will remember what You said in Romans 8:

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When I am afraid. I will trust You.

Tom

© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.