Psalm 56:3  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  (NIV)

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There are some phrases and sentences in the Bible that we need to linger on from time to time. This is one of those sentences. 

There are two parts to the sentence. The first part says, “When I’m afraid.” 

If you double-check to see who wrote this, you’ll notice it was King David. This is the King David who, before he was king, fought a lion, a bear, and a giant. He won all three battles. You’ve got to admit, that’s a pretty good resume. 

He went on to win countless battles, to lead conquering armies, and to protect and defend a nation. He was strong, fast, resolute, and entirely confident. 

And yet, he knew fear. 

So tough guy or gal, it’s okay to admit that even you experience fear now and then. 

King David, who gave us so many examples of how to behave under pressure, provides us with probably his best lesson here. Don’t turn to God as your last resort. Start with God. Go with God. Finish with God. 

Pray before you start, pray as you go, and express your gratitude when success is achieved by God’s gracious hand. 

One of the secrets to overcoming fear is acknowledging it. Confess your fears to God. Trust him to provide what you need to adapt, improvise, and overcome the situation that makes you afraid. 

The second part of the sentence says, “I put my trust in you.” 

Trust is a deep-seated and resolute disposition. It is God-confidence. It is assurance that no matter what happens, God is still in charge. He has a plan and purpose that will not be thwarted. 

Please note that this does not mean that you won’t experience loss. Sometimes you fail. Sometimes you come up just short. Sometimes these lessons prepare us for greater opportunities and victories in the future. As John Maxwell likes to say, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” 

What have you learned lately? 

What’s making your heart beat a little faster today? 

What’s raising your blood pressure? 

What makes you want to run far, far away? 

What do you need to trust God for today? 

Some of the most potent prayers are sentences in length. This can be one of your most potent prayers. Commit it to memory. Use it as often as necessary. And don’t forget to follow up with gratitude when God delivers you from whatever is causing you to be afraid. 

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I will put my trust in God when I am afraid. 

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Our Father, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. I trust that you will protect and defend me. I thank you that, as Jesus says in John 10:29, no one and nothing can snatch me out of your hand. I freely confess that there are times that I am still afraid. I joyfully commit to learning how to trust you more in those moments. With King David, I will turn every fear and anxiety into opportunities to deepen my trust in you. Amen.