Scripture: “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” – Psalm 56:3
Examination of chapter: David is surrounded by the enemy, and he is crying out to the Lord. He is fearful, but acknowledges that God is with him, and there is no need to be afraid. He continues to praise God even though the situation seems bleak because he knows that God is faithful to keep His Word and to help in time of need.
Application: I love camping with Meichan, my orange tabby. Having her with us is really not an inconvenience at all as she is really a great camper, and I love her dearly! But for our sweet kitty, it always has a stressful start. It takes a while for her to get used to riding in the truck. Somehow she believes that trouble is looming ahead for her even before we put her in her carrier and secure her in the back seat. Many times, I have to hunt her down when we’re ready to leave as she goes into hiding! Once on the road, we spend a few miles listening to her sad meows before she eventually settles down a bit, and later when we let her out, she is quick to sit very close to us because, in her eyes, we are her protectors. The good news is that she gets over her fears quickly once camp is set up, and she assumes her role as “queen kitty of the campsite”!
I tend to be a lot like my cat. When I think about things to come, I tend to imagine all sorts of negative outcomes, and that is when fears arise! That’s the time I want to go into hiding, but I can’t really do that. Instead, I run to God and try to be as close to Him as I possibly can because I know He is my protector. The Bible tells me in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” I know I can turn to Him because He promises to help me and keep me safe.
When Meichan is trembling with fear, I hold her close to me and she settles down. With soothing words and lots of love, her little feline spirit settles down, the meowing stops, and she seems to be at peace. LIkewise, when my spirit trembles in fear, God holds me close, whispers words of comfort through His Word, and His peace fills my soul. Psalm 91:4 states, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” This reminds me that it is His Word in which I should trust, not my heart, which Jeremiah 17:9 reminds me, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Instead, I open God’s Word, which reassures me with verses like Psalm 118:6 , “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” It is His truth that comforts me when I am afraid, and I know He will keep me safe as He states in Psalm 121:8, “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” With God as my protector, I have no need to fear… ever! After all, I may not be a queen like Meichan, but I am a daughter of the King!
Memory Verse: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Stretching your thoughts:
1. What is your “go to” when fears suddenly arise over things you cannot control?
2. What verses could comfort you in those situations?
I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender.
They're leading me in the paths that I must trod.
I'll have no fear for Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered safe in the arms of God.
So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise,
They don't worry me; for I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God.
He walks with me, and naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
(from “Sheltered in the Arms of God” by Dottie Rambo & Jimmie Davis)