Thursday, May 03, 2012
What
do you do when you’re afraid? Fear is one of the most common emotions humans
share. All of us experience fear at times.
Perhaps a health issue causes us fear. Or finances. Or relationships. Or
a job or the lack of a job. Fear is a frequently used word in the Bible. Almost
100 times the bible tells us to not be afraid.
In verse 3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” That’s it? Yes. Fear is always an opportunity for me to trust in Almighty God. David is being attacked, slandered and chased by enemies. He is fearful for his life. And in the midst of all this anxious fear he realizes that he should be trusting God. There are at least 5 ways that David trusted the Lord when he was afraid.
In verse 3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” That’s it? Yes. Fear is always an opportunity for me to trust in Almighty God. David is being attacked, slandered and chased by enemies. He is fearful for his life. And in the midst of all this anxious fear he realizes that he should be trusting God. There are at least 5 ways that David trusted the Lord when he was afraid.
1.
He called on the Lord. Verse 9 says, “I will call for help.” What a simple and profound prayer, “Help.” What’s the first thing a police officer does
when he gets into an intense situation? He calls for help. That’s exactly what God wants us to do. Trusting God means I call on Him for help.
2.
He knew the Lord was on his side. – Verse 9 continues, “By this I will know that God is for me.” Faith will always lead us to knowledge. And David’s faith allowed him to know that
God is for him. Fear will keep us from
knowing God is on our side.
3. He praised the Lord. Verse 10 says, “In God whose word I praise, in the Lord whose word I praise.” He says the same thing in verse 4. That’s an interesting phrase. David is
actually praising the word of God. But
God’s word is the expression of God Himself.
It’s an expression of His promises and His power for us. It’s impossible to panic when you’re
praising.
4.
He thanked the Lord. In verse 12, David
says, “I will present my thank offerings
to you.” Even in the midst of being
attacked and slandered, David knew he could thank the Lord. Do you do that?
5.
He knew that God would be glorified in his life. I love verse 13 – “For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that
I may walk before God in the light of life.”
God delivers us so that we can walk in the light of his glory,
goodness and grace. His light shines on
us so that others may see Him in us.
David knew that no matter what God would get glory from his life. My fear can be transformed to God’s glory.
So,
the next time you’re afraid remember Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
Read Psalm 56
Post a Comment