Telling someone there’s nothing to be afraid of when they feel afraid is neither helpful nor compassionate. If you’ve ever felt afraid—and I’m confident you have—you know this is true. Fear is common to everyone, a result of living in a world where, if we’re honest, there are plenty of things to be afraid of. The truth is everyone, even the most faith‑filled among us, will face fear and feel fear at some point. This is why we need a plan in place for when—not if—we feel afraid. Thankfully for us, the writer of Psalm 56 provides us with exactly that.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 (ESV)
This was King David’s faith‑filled prayer as a fugitive seeking refuge in enemy territory. David—the giant‑killing, courageous, fearless, valiant warrior—finds himself in serious danger, and he is feeling the full weight of fear. Yet rather than cave to his emotions, he speaks to his own soul, willing it to trust in God in the face of fear. This is not a passive reaction. Instead, it’s a brilliant battle strategy, every bit as effective, if not more, than the sling and stone he used to take down Goliath. And by leaning in, there’s a good deal we can learn from David’s response; in essence, a simple two‑step plan for responding to fear.
Step One: Be Honest
David was honest. He was willing to be transparent and vulnerable with his emotions. David was empowered to do this because he was convinced he was fully known and seen by God (Psalm 139:1–4). He wasn’t ashamed of his feelings, nor did he try to hide them, manage them on his own, or unload them onto someone else. Instead, he shared them, raw and unfiltered, with God.
What’s more, David was intentional in saying when I am afraid. Not if, not in case, not if times get really dark, but when I am afraid. What was David doing? He was acknowledging that there would, in fact, be times when he felt afraid, and to be clear, when he wrote Psalm 56, he was.
Step Two: Choose Trust
Most commonly, when faced with something frightening—a life‑threatening diagnosis, a broken relationship, the loss of a job, or imminent danger—our initial response is fear, which is only natural. At the same time, we don’t have to stay in fear. We have the power to resist it, not by pretending it doesn’t exist, but by choosing to trust in God, who is more real than all and any fear. God, who is all‑powerful, all‑knowing, all‑good, all‑loving, ever‑present, always faithful, never failing, and completely trustworthy.
You see, when we rehearse the truths about God in the midst of fear, fear is gradually replaced by a steady trust in God regardless of present circumstances or desired outcomes. And it is then that we are positioned to experience His timeless, matchless, perfect love that casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
My friend, I understand it doesn’t always feel this way, but the truth is fear only has power over us if we surrender to it. And the good news is we don’t have to. We can follow David’s two‑step plan: we talk to God candidly about our fears, knowing He sees us, knows us, and loves us. And then, as an act of faith, we reject fear and choose to place our trust in Him.
Pray
Father God, You see every fear in my heart, and You know the thoughts that trouble me even before I do. I’m comforted by the truth that You see me, know me, and care deeply about me.
When fear threatens to overwhelm me, help me bring it to You rather than carrying it alone. I recognize that apart from You I am weak. But I also know that in You I am strong and courageous and fully equipped to stand against the enemy’s scare tactics.
Empower me, I pray, to place all my trust in You, knowing You are good, faithful, and completely trustworthy.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Reflect
What truth about God’s character is most comforting to you in times of fear? What practical steps can you take to place your trust in Him when you feel afraid?
My friends, your thoughts matter! I’d love to hear from you. Consider sharing your responses in the comment section below!