Whenever I am afraid I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise. in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3 NIV
Joe was on the board of elders of the small country church we attended, and when the pastor left, Joe was invited to fill that role. Joe had been a steel worker, and didn’t think of himself as a “real pastor” so he asked that we simply call him “Brother Joe.” In spite of his humble start, Joe knew his Bible well, loved people and trusted God. His statements often included observations from his days of working on the towers, and my favorite was “Any man who tells you he is not afraid is a liar!” I think King David would have not only liked Brother Joe but would have whole heartedly agreed with that statement. When David wrote today’s verse, he had just been captured by the people from the city if Gath. In case that name doesn’t ring a bell, it was the home town of the giant he had killed, named Goliath. Probably in that crowd of soldiers who marched David off as a prisoner were Goliath’s friends and neighbors. They were hoping to see him executed and David really had a perfect excuse to be afraid. It is interesting that David didn’t start by pretending that he wasn’t afraid. Instead, he faced his fears by first accepting them, “When I am afraid!” David said. But what David did next was something most of us forget to do. He chose to trust in God in spite of that fear. If you feel as if circumstances have taken you prisoner, today, it’s okay to join David by just saying out loud, I am afraid!” But then we need to move on to what David said next. “But I will trust in You (God)!” This isn’t pretending, it is a choice. We are afraid, but we don’t have to stay there. God’s promises are true. He is still in control, and He has us in His mighty hands! – I hope you enjoy this beautiful song from Selah that makes the case for trusting God. Have a blessed day everyone!
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Thank you for this encouraging message, I was just hit with something this morning and about to pray for peace in my heart.
God knows best our hearts and what we need before we even ask.
What you said here: “This isn’t pretending, it is a choice. We are afraid, but we don’t have to stay there. God’s promises are true. He is still in control, and He has us in His mighty hands!” Our trust in God truly is a choice. It’s comforting to know that David was afraid and admitted it, but then chose to trust. I was just talking to a young wife and mother about this yesterday. You presented this truth so well. Thank you, Pete!
It’s something I have had my own battles with and this truth has been such a comfort and strength to keep me going. I am truly so thankful to pur Lord Jesus for His grace in all our struggles.
“This isn’t pretending, it is a choice.” Amen, Pete! We can’t control our emotions, but we can still choose.
Amen, Pastor Pete. It’s ok to admit we are afraid, because we have a trustworthy God covering us with His grace and mercy. This is such an encouraging post, brother! God Bless.
Thanks David. I am so glad of God’s help in this area and glad it can encourage others.
Amen! No matter the circumstances – trust in God.
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It is so good to know that we can be afraid and make the choice to trust in God. Then we know our position of being hidden with Christ in God. The enemy has to go through God to get to us. My choice is to trust God, while afraid because although circumstances change, God does not!
Amen!
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