Do Not Fear, Trust in God
Continuing with the series, ‘Songs In The Night, Finding God in The Highs and Lows’, today’s Sunday message is from the Book of Psalm Chapter 56. The heading of Psalm 56 says: From the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. This Psalm describes David’s lamentation with a greater emphasis on trusting and praising God despite being under attacked by his enemies. According to some reference, no one is sure what Michtam means. The word Michtam is a Hebrew word and some scholars see the word michtam as meaning “golden,” while others think it is related to a word meaning to cover, implying necessary secrecy in a time of crisis.
Some commentaries say that Psalm 56 can be described as a lament or a supplication with a strong emphasis in the confession of trust. This Psalm is a great reminder that yes, we all experience fear, and maybe you are feeling it right now, especially now that the threat of COVID-19 is still present — but here we see how David responded and we witness God’s faithfulness in His life.
God is aware of what we feel, what our problems are and He knows when we feel broken. But God is never indifferent — He cares for you. Today’s message is a great reminder that when we feel fear, we must trust in God.
Psalm 56
1 Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
2 My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
hoping to take my life.
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8 Record my misery;
list my tears on your scroll—
are they not in your record?
9 Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
12 I am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are your fears and why?
2. How is fear affecting you?
3. How will you turn your fears into TRUST in God?
1. What are your fears and why?
My fear right now is the uncertainty of the future. COVID-19 impaired so many areas in our lives but what is worse is being infected by this virus because there might be a possibility that you can infect people who are close to you, and I really don’t want that to happen. I sometimes wonder what will happen in the future. I wonder if things and activities will go back to normal like before. I fear what if I won’t see my family, relatives and friends again? I get scared by the thought that people who are so dear to me will get sick because of this virus.
2. How is fear affecting you?
This fear affect me both positively and negatively but I tend to focus more on the positive. I would say it’s positive because I turn to God and His Words. I know that our God is a sovereign God and He is a faithful God. He promises rest to those who will call and surrender their lives to Him. This bring comfort and assurance in my life and in my heart.
3. How will you turn your fears into TRUST in God?
By continuing to reflect and read the Word of God and to just know Him more. Reading His Word brings great joy and comfort.
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