Psalm 56 – Where fear meets Faith, Faith WINS

Background scripture: 1 Samuel 21:10-22:2  The title of that Psalm 53 identifies itself as the son David wrote when the Philistines captured him in Gath.

David’s words in this Psalm will help us understand what happened here.  The Philistines captured David when he came to Gath.  David went there thinking he would find refuge among the ungodly Philistines in Gath, not so!  We find David in a bad place at the end of 1 Samual 21:10.  This is where we find David when he wrote this Psalm.

For the choir director:  Written by David about the time the Philistines seized him in Gath.  To be sung to the tune “Dove on Distant Oaks”.  The dove is often a sign of peace or of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 56:1-2  David’s life and position as he sees it.  The reality of his life at this moment.

Psalm 56:3-4  But…David openly admits that he is afraid at times.  He is not ignorant.  He sees the problem but he also recognizes the solution.  Okay, I am afraid BUT I will trust in You, my God.  David was human and in the flesh he experienced fear, but he DID NOT let it control him. It did not keep him prisoner, he ran to God, and shout BUT I can trust in YOU!

David shows us that fear and faith can be a part of you.  When fear collides with Faith, Faith WINS.  Light shines in the darkness.  Trust is revealed.  Trust is the best antidote for fear.  Inject the Word into any situation and you will find peace and hope.  Spurgeon says, “ To trust when there is no cause for fear is but the name of faith, but to be reliant upon God when occasions for alarm are abundant and pressing is conquering faith.”

This faith ruled David’s life.  I didn’t matter if he sinned or others sinned against him.  It didn’t matter if it was the sin of the pas or things that were around him in the present or things that he feared would happen in the future.  He chose faith over all that men could do to him.  He learned to RECOVER HIS COURAGE in his walk with God and trusting Him with all the circumstances of life.

 Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of people that kill the body.  They cannot kill the soul.  But rather, be afraid of him that can destroy both ‘soul and body in hell’”.  (Matthew 12:28)

“Faith is living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the Grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.”  Martin Luther

David praises God for what he knows God has promised.  He remembers God’s Word.  He places his confidence in God’s faithfulness and realizes he doesn’t need to be afraid.

Trusting in God gives you the faith and confidence that your enemies won’t defeat you.  After all, what can man (mortal man, includes the flesh) do to you that God can’t protect you from.

Vs. 5-6  The problem – They are always twisting my words.  They are plotting to harm me.  They pretend to be my friends but they are spying on me.  Getting up front and personal so they can find watch to kill me.  Why is this happening Lord?  Can’t You so something about it?  Won’t You?

Vs. 7  David gives God some advice.  Don’t let them…Bring them down…

Vs. 8-9  Collect, keep a record of my sorrows and my tears.  I know you will come to my rescue.

Vs. 10  I will praise God.  When I think of His promises to me.  YES, I will praise Him.

When you decide your course in life – to TRUST in GOD and place your confidence in Him, you can join David in worship.

Vs. 11  I trust in God, SO why should I be afraid.  I KNOW that man cannot harm me.

Vs. 12  SO, I will walk with YOU, now and I will walk with You in the future.  I will worship YOU, I will offer You a sacrifice of PRAISE, of THANKSGIVING!

Vs. 13  WHY?  For you have rescued me from death; You have kept my feet from slipping.  NOW I can walk in YOU presence, O God, in Your life-giving light.

David has experienced the hardships of life.  He has made his choice.

I will walk in Your presence.  What time I am afraid, I will trust in You.

David Livingston in the jungles in Africa, 1856, wrote in his journal.  “January 14, 1856.  Felt much turmoil of spirit in prospect of having all my plans for the welfare of this great region and this teeming population plans knocked on the head by savages tomorrow.  But I read that Jesus said: ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore and teach all nations, and lo I AM with you always, even unto the end of the world.”  I will not cross furtively tonight as I intended.  Should such a man as I flee?  Nay verily, I shall take observations for latitude and longitude tonight though they be the last.  I feel quite calm now, thank God.”

Can we, like David, say in the midst of the storm, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in You.”