“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” These words were penned by King David in Psalm 56:3 when he was on the run from King Saul. His flight from Saul led him to the Philistine territory of Gath where David found himself face to face with the authorities of King Achish (cf I Samuel 21:10-15 for the full account). It was under this time of great distress that David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote Psalm 56.
The question that is posed to each of us is this—can we say the same thing and say it with the same conviction that King David had? In other words, can you honestly say that you will trust in the Lord Jesus Christ in your times of distress and fear? It’s easy to superficially say we will, but the truth is revealed in our reactions during such times of fear.
We live in days of constant strife and turmoil. Economically, socially, morally, politically, physically— we are faced with trials and tribulations at every turn. Not to mention the strife that we all face on an individual level. Let’s face it, we live in perilous times! If ever there were a time to fear it would be in 21st century America!
But God would have us consider this great example found in the life of His servant David, and trust in Him during our days of distress. Whether they be national troubles; international troubles; or personal, every day troubles; God says to all of His children, “I’m here for you. You can trust in Me!” Jesus said it this way: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). He says to us in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
I don’t know about you but I find great comfort in passages like these. That’s not to say that I’m never overwhelmed by circumstances that lead to times of despair. But when those troubling times come I know my refuge is in the Lord. I know that when I am afraid I can trust in the Lord. I know He is trustworthy and faithful to those who come to Him by faith. And because we are His children He desires that we all have that kind of faith to turn to Him in our time of need.
Can you honestly stand in the presence of our Holy God and say with King David, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You”? My prayer is that you can. My prayer is that when your world seems to be collapsing around you that you will have the mind of Christ and the sentiment of David and be able to honestly say, “Lord, I’m trusting in You during this trial.” To do so and have the faith to mean it is evidence that you are growing, “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
By His Grace,
Pastor Johnny