Psalm 56 is a prayer for help in the face of the enemy, with the Psalmist encountering a life-threatening situation. We see through the Psalm a consoling trust in the face of unsettling fear [NIV Study Bible]. Faith and trust in a GOD who will deliver is the best antidote to fear.

 

The threat of the enemy was very real to the Psalmist. He relates it vividly in the Psalm – the attack being of various sorts:

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• Hotly pursing him (Psa.56:1)

• Slandering him (Psa.56:2)

• Twisting his words (Psa.56:5)

• Conspiring against him (Psa.56:6)

 

Many can relate to the Psalmist as they have gone through or are going through such experiences. But the reaction/response of David under such circumstances is what is noteworthy:

 

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He Verbalizes his trust
Even when the threat to his life was so imminent, the Psalmist chose the way of trust: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You…..I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (Psa.56:3-4). His eyes were on the Mighty God than mortal man! The refrain in the Psalm “In God (I will praise His word)” shows the Psalmist’s trust in God’s Word as well. He knew the solid ground of God’s Word on which he could base his trust. His assertion: “This I know, because God is for me” (Psa.56:9) was a deep assurance to him.

 

Instead of being pulled under the weight of trouble, the way of trust in God, helps us square our shoulders and face it with courage. Like the Psalmist, the confidence that God is mighty to save and His Word and promises hold true for us, will help us tide over such tough situations. Speaking forth words of faith- especially God’s Word for the particular situation helps ward off thoughts of misery and words of dejection or complaint. Romans 8:31 says “…If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”

 

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He Visualizes his deliverance
Not only does the Psalmist declare his trust in God, he also visualizes his deliverance as seen in Psa.56: 12-13. “… I will render praises to You, For You have delivered my soul from death. ….That I may walk before God In the light of the living?” While he was going through the grind, he was able to envision the time he would give thanks to God and be able to walk in His life-giving light.

 

Of Abraham, it was spoken in Romans 4:17: “…he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;” Psa.56:20 continues: “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God…” Contrary to all the existing circumstances, not visible to him, he believed God who would bring things to pass! This is the kind of faith that gets us through tough times- that God will bring us through! A faith that exhibits itself in praise to God for the deliverance He will bring!

 

Let us admit to ourselves that our fears are real. BUT our faith in the ONE who will deliver will dispel fear if we proclaim our trust and envision our deliverance. As long as Peter kept his eyes on the Lord while he was walking on the water, he did not sink. But the moment he looked at the wind and the waves, his fear got the better of him. But Christ Jesus, the Master of the wind and waves, was constantly watching and His hand of deliverance pulled Peter from sinking! (Matthew 14:29-33).

 

May we not drown in our fears but sail on our faith in the ONE WHO CAN SAVE!!!

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To meditate:

“In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid…..”

(Psalm 56:11)