The Way to Be Fearless (Psalm 56:3-4)
- Rachel Coyle
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. ⁴In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
Little feet pattering down the hallway awaken me with a start. I know what’s coming: “Mommy, I can’t sleep. I’m scared.” It’s happened countless times over the years with my six children. Most of the time the solution is simple: We sing Psalm 56:3-4 together. I remind my fearful child to think about what is true. Then we pray, I give another hug and kiss, and pull up cozy covers as I tuck my kiddo back into bed.
If only it were that easy as adults to overcome fear and trust in God. The reality is that fear follows us throughout our lives. Even grown adults have trouble sleeping because of it!
David was no stranger to fear. When he penned this psalm he had just started running for his life from King Saul (see 1 Samuel 20-21). He had a tangible reason to be afraid. When we find ourselves in physical danger—like David did—fear is our natural, physical, reaction. But what about when we give ourselves over to fears that we create in our own mind by dwelling on what might—or might not—happen in the future?
David offers the solution to all fear, both real and imagined: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” He doesn’t say if I am afraid, but when. No one is immune to fear. It’s going to happen. David goes on to tell us how we can loosen fear’s hold by turning our thoughts toward the Almighty God.
Praise His Word
We are prone to believe lies about God, ourselves, and our circumstances. Our fears reveal the lies we believe even when we don’t recognize them. This is why memorizing Scripture is essential. When fears threaten to overwhelm us, we can turn our thoughts to praise God’s Word. His Word is truth (John 17:17). In the midst of distress, focusing on God’s Word brings peace to our restless hearts and minds.
Purpose to Trust
David uses his will to redirect his mind from fear to trust. We know from experience that this is not easy. The more we dwell on our fears, the stronger they grasp our heart. It takes more than determination to turn our minds away from the things we fear, toward trusting in God. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome our temptation to let fear paralyze us or steal our joy and peace. Ask for His grace and help in your time of need in order to trust our Almighty God.
Put Fears in Perspective
Because David anchors his trust in God’s sovereignty, he can ask rhetorically, “What can flesh do to me?” Even though an army of flesh and blood was literally coming against him, he knew that man could only do what God allowed, and that for His good purposes. We may not find ourselves being hunted by men, but still we need David’s strong sense of God’s sovereignty to help us in our circumstances. God is in complete control, always. What He brings into our lives, He wondrously uses for our benefit and His glory.
Fear gives the illusion of control but doesn’t alter the future or bring about good. It’s reactive, not proactive, sapping our energy and wasting precious time. When you’re afraid, focus your thoughts on trusting God. Praise His Word and remember His promises. Learn to say with David, “In God I trust; I shall not be afraid.”
For Reflection
How do you respond when you’re afraid? How can you focus your heart and mind on trusting God when fear strikes?
How can knowing God is sovereign and always in control bring you comfort in the midst of real or imagined fear?
Make a list of Fighter Verses you’ve memorized with the power to calm your mind when you’re afraid. Thank God for His powerful Word and ask Him to help you praise His Word and not be afraid.
Rachel Coyle is a biblical counselor, Bible teacher, and author of Help! I'm Angry, a mini-book for teens and their parents from Shepherd Press LifeLine for Teens series. She and her husband Philip have six children. Scripture memory plays a pivotal role in their parenting and homeschooling as they sing, write, and discuss the meaning and application of passages. The Coyles live in South Carolina where they're members of Boiling Springs First Baptist Church.