But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. PSALM 56:3 (NLT)

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“Courage is Fear that has said its prayers,” (Karle Wilson Baker). 

David had been anointed king. His father-in-law, however, was not interested in yielding the crown. The Tall Man attempted to kill his son-in-law on more than one occasion and continually pursued David to put him away permanently. David was forced to retreat all the way to Israel’s enemies, the Philistines. They did not trust him even though he pretended to be on their side. 

David was a man without a country. He was a real Nowhere Man. (Now you will have that song stuck in your head today. You’re welcome.)

How did David handle his fear? The same way he always had. He took it to God. 

But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.

This is a nice sentiment expressed by many during this season. It shows up in Tweets, posts, and cross-stitch. Why could David make such a statement? Where did his God-confidence come from?

In v. 4, he says, “I praise God for what he has promised.” The promise he held onto was one given to him when he was quite young. He was anointed as the future king by Samuel (1 Kings 16:11-13). Everything since that day had aligned with God’s promise until Saul’s jealousy turned to murderous rage. David reasoned rightly that as God was with him when he faced a lion, a bear, and a giant, he would be with him now. How could he not praise him for a promise made and most assuredly to be kept?

“I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” To David, there was nothing too big for God to handle. Nothing at all could ever spin out of his control. He was in charge of David’s destiny. Saul was not. The Philistines were not. He chose to live as if everything God said was true and that somehow, someway, he would deliver David through that season of challenging circumstances. 

“What can mere mortals do to me?” God’s eye was on David. His hand protected him. His promise would be fulfilled. 

Even so, things went from bad to worse. It took a long time for things to change for the better. David still trusted the ultimate Promise Keeper. He learned our Father in heaven not only gives strength for our battles, but he also provides comfort for our pains.

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.
v. 8

David knew that even when God is silent, he is not absent. He sees every tear. He hears every sigh. He keeps good records of all our concerns. 

That was David. This is us. He was special. He felt like a real Nowhere Man; I am a Nowhere Man. 

There are no nobodies in God’s marvelous grace. As Eph. 2:10 puts it, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

The least likely person you can imagine, even you, has a life worth living, a destiny worth fulfilling. True, many lives never get lived. Many destinies are never reached. However, God’s plans for your life are knowable and nameable. You need a guide to help you discover and clarify God’s purpose. David had Samuel and then other wise leaders who helped him understand God’s plans. Who can help you make the move from Zero to Hero? 

But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.

Trust God. Find a guide. Survive this season. Thrive in your heart even though it appears everything out there is all wrong. Know God prepared you for now and for what is next. He always keeps his promises.

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I will trust in God when I am afraid and when I am confused.

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Our Father, I trust in you. As you have been faithful forever, I trust you always will be. Your purpose will prevail. I will live the life of your dreams for me. Amen.