Trust. Scripture reveals that we can trust God in all things (Proverbs 3:5), but it can still be difficult at times. We tell ourselves, Trust! But we lack hope. We tell ourselves, God will deal with it! But then we falter and engage in worry.
That’s why it’s incredibly comforting to read in Psalm 56 that David experienced the same type of struggles as we do.
David’s life was hanging by a thread when he wrote, “O God, have mercy on me” (Psalm 56:1). He was on the run from King Saul (who had tried to skewer him with a spear twice) and had fled to Gath, a place outside of Saul’s kingdom. But that move was like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire, for Gath was enemy territory. When the people in Gath recognized David, he “was very afraid” and pretended to be insane (1 Samuel 21:12-13).
In the face of difficulty, our natural reaction is to be filled not only with fears, but even tears. David showed us the way to continue to put our trust in God. First, he reminded himself: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). “This I know: God is on my side!” (Psalm 56:9). Second, he recalled that God keeps track of all our sorrows. In fact, He knows every tear we shed (Psalm 56:8). He’s fully aware of how hard things can be for us, and He cares about the depth of our discouragement and suffering.
In our darkest moments, we can run to God—trusting in Him and finding relief from our fears (Psalm 56:11). He has the power, the compassion, and the desire to meet us in our need. He may not bring about an amazing deliverance in our current challenge, but He will be with us as “he has promised” (Psalm 56:4,10). We can rest in God’s presence—enveloped by His “life-giving light” (Psalm 56:13).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 20:1-12
More:
Read Exodus 33:14 and consider the comforting words God said to Moses.
Next:
How do you deal with your fears? What does it mean for you to know that God records your tears?
godlove on November 7, 2016 at 2:16 am
Fear is a complicated emotion, even when you know that there is no point to be afraid, sometimes the turn of events can just catch you unawares. The funniest part always comes after every thing, when you realise that God had been in control all along and it was really no cause for fear, nor tears. God’s promises are reassuring, like He says in Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Thank you for this very encouraging post, Poh Fang, it is very comforting indeed to be reminded that God “collects” and “records” our tears. Blessed week to everyone.
raptoreagle on November 7, 2016 at 2:38 am
“The funniest part always comes after every thing, when you realise that God had been in control all along and it was really no cause for fear, nor tears. ” ain’t that the truth…
as long as we are alive in our human bodies, we will always have fear but we can depend on the spirit of God to see us through.
Poh Fang Chia on November 7, 2016 at 2:46 am
Amen, raptoreagle. Thank God for His grace that bears with our weaknesses.
Poh Fang Chia on November 7, 2016 at 2:44 am
Thank you, godlove, for adding to the discussion. Love the verse Isaiah 41:10 that you mentioned. : )
susanb1998 on November 7, 2016 at 10:06 am
Amen. It is reassuring to know God knows all about it. In God we trust..God bless godlove and everyone..
ng on November 7, 2016 at 3:24 am
Since 2010 I have been facing difficult times. Thanks Poh Fang Chia for the encouraging word today. Psalm 56.8 is very comforting indeed.
Poh Fang Chia on November 7, 2016 at 3:45 am
I prayed for you today. May the God of all comforts comfort you in your distress and strengthen you in your trials. May you experience His presence, care and love today.
Gary Shultz on November 7, 2016 at 5:54 am
Poh, we just approach the fear and worry series at church and this adds so much to it. God is ever able – Almighty God, how we continually lose sight of that I’m not sure. I think enough is allowed into our lives so we are tested to strengthen our response to fear and worry. I also think we need to form good habits to prepare ourselves for when fear comes and understand what to do. In our country the elections which will take place in tomorrow have many bound in fear. The victorious life is what God would have us living, as they say “easier said than done”; however, work on getting it done, run, from fear and worry, to God. Whether we have tears or not God watches over us and counts us faithful who come to Him in trust and hope. Thanks Poh.
gagirllive on November 7, 2016 at 7:28 am
Poh Fang, Psalm 56: 8 has been a treasured verse to me for quite a while. I believe I have cried an ocean of tears, so God must have a pretty big bottle for me. 🙂 Some years ago, I actually found a lovely bottle that I keep on my dresser as a visual reminder of this verse. It’s comforting to see it and remember that God collects my tears. This psalm also speaks volumes of comfort and encouragement to the fearful and hurting heart. I have often found myself here, reminding my disquieted soul that God knows, sees, and cares deeply about everything concerning me. I am especially encouraged by the phrase “When I am afraid…” WHEN. Fear is common to man as a result of the fall. It was the first manifestation of the result of sin, and it still seems to be the thing we struggle with more than anything. How many times are the words “Fear not” found in scripture? And how wonderful that of all things Jesus could have left us with, He promised us the gift of peace—which comes to us by trusting God—because He knew what our fearful hearts needed most. There is an acronym for fear that we often say—False Evidence Appearing Real. I would agree that most things we fear only exist in our minds—the “what ifs” of life. But truth be told, there are some things that are real, and I would dare say, a few things we ought to be afraid of so that we avoid them. But like David, we must turn our eyes in faith to God and let trust overshadow our fears. He is greater. He is above all. When He is exalted to His rightful and proper dimensions in our hearts and minds, our fears subside. He really does quiet us with His love when we run to Him. Poh, I also love Exodus 33: 14 that you mentioned in the “More” section. It makes all the difference knowing that God is personally with me wherever I go and whatever I’m going through. He is still Emmanuel. Thanks for this timely encouragement today. Grace and peace to you and to all my fellow travelers here on the journey.
godlove on November 7, 2016 at 6:55 pm
When we trust in God, all our Fears definitely become “False Evidence Appearing Real.” I like that acronym, thanks for sharing gagirl. Be blessed, sister.
sim jing ying on November 7, 2016 at 9:49 am
I deal with my fears by referring to the Bible and armor myself with God’s words. It means that God understand what we suffer.
sim jing ying on November 7, 2016 at 9:50 am
understands*
Tom Felten on November 7, 2016 at 8:16 pm
Very timely words, Poh Fang. A friend is dealing with some extreme personal challenges now. I plan to share some of this article with him. Thanks!
yun3 on November 12, 2016 at 12:07 am
please help me pray with my work that God will give me a very long patience with my co-worker and that God will work in her life..i am struggling right now with my work. thank you! God bless!