Pastor Travis Burkett
Psalm 56:3, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”
Psalm 56 shows us how to have faith in the midst of struggles. This is taking place close to the time when the Philistines captured David in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). David appears to be desperate, alone, and afraid. The man who killed a lion and a bear, who took out Goliath with a sling and was a successful captain for the army of Israel isn't denying the presence of fear. He admitted that he was afraid but displayed his response to fear. That response was choosing to trust in his God no matter the fear.
What are you afraid of today? Covid 19? Lack of financial security? Unknown future? No toilet paper in the house? Being stuck at home with the kids all day?
All kidding aside, we are in the midst of our communities full of doubt, fear, and anxiety. Media is loading fear on our shoulders and panic is setting in upon us. Some are fearing health while others fear missing out. Missing out on the vacation you’ve spent months planning. Students missing sports seasons that they’ve worked so hard to be able to compete. Seniors missing graduation. Covid 19 has hit us at full force, and we don’t like it. For many, it has created a time of fear.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace God’s perfect Word and not allow fear to overcome our spirit. The times we are afraid, it is a great opportunity to commit our trust to our Lord. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Each time seasons of fear enter our mind, repeat those words: “I will trust in thee.”
When you face uncertainty or when your mind wanders with questions, remember God is worthy of our trust. The God of the Bible is still the Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1). He is still Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). He is still omnipresent (Joshua 1:5). He is still infinite (Habakkuk 1:2; Romans 11:33). He is still unchanging and perfect in every way (Psalm 33:11; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). He is still sovereign (Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Timothy 1:9). He is still the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is still the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He is still the Savior of the world (John 3:16).
Don’t you believe that the One who is all of those things is worthy of our greatest trust?
We live in a world that has trusted in possessions, people, and political parties that we can see and experience. But through times such as these, it is God who we can trust. The Lord will never leave us or forsake us. He will protect us. Friend, turn to Jesus. Trust in Jesus. Let God be your comfort, and let God take your fears.