One of the most critical things that we can gather from all of the stories of David’s life is that he knew the God of Israel. What is presented to us in Psalms 52-60 are “days in the life of David.” In the midst of trouble again and again, he trusted the Lord. He knew that there was no safe place to turn to.. no place to hide… except, in the shelter and presence and promise of God. David certainly gives us an example of faith to follow!

I enjoyed studying Psalm 56 and seeing David’s urgent plea and great faith in the midst of fear. It was also so comforting to learn that God keeps our tears. He knows our sufferings and is so compassionate toward us.

Here’s my outline of Psalm 56:

URGENT PLEA:

¹ Be gracious to me, God,

THE PROBLEM:

for man tramples me; he fights and oppresses me all day long.  ² My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me. 

GREAT FAITH IN THE MIDST OF FEAR:

³ When I am afraid, I will trust in You.  ⁴ In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

THE PROBLEM:

 ⁵ They twist my words all day long; all their thoughts are against me for evil.  ⁶ They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. 

TRUSTING GOD’S JUDGMENT:

⁷ Will they escape in spite of such sin? God, bring down the nations in wrath.  ⁸ You Yourself have recorded my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your records?  ⁹ Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call.

GREAT FAITH IN THE MIDST OF FEAR:

This I know: God is for me.  ¹⁰ In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, ¹¹ in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 

OBEDIENCE AND THANKSGIVING:

¹² I am obligated by vows to You, God; I will make my thank offerings to You.  ¹³ For You delivered me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life.

faith. fear. tears. David and Saul. David’s enemies. David’s psalms. David’s faith. fear and faith. In God I trust. Trusting God.