"What Time I Am Afraid"

We taught our young children a song based on this Bible verse: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee (Psalm 56:3). It doesn’t say if I am ever afraid, it implies when.

The first two verses of this Psalm give us the context for this verse. The title of the Psalm says: To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High (Psalm 56:1-2). Here, we see it’s a song from David, when he was in terrible trouble, taken prisoner, with many enemies.

Yet, he decides to trust God--and write a song.

Are you ever afraid? (What a silly question!) Everyone is fearful, sometimes. Do you ever feel like everything and everyone is against you? David did. Do you fear the unknown, changes in plans, expectations? You’re not alone.

Let’s look more closely at this verse: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

• It’s addressed to God, a prayer.
• It’s a statement of choice: I will trust in thee.
• It’s a statement about habit. What time I am afraid—like whenever I’m afraid, this is what I choose to do.
• It’s a purposeful trusting. I will trust in thee.

Just so we’re understanding the terms, let’s look at the definition of trust: “a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.” Synonyms include: confidence, belief, and faith. If we trust God, that means we have a firm belief in his reliability, truth, and ability. We are turning our fear over to His ability. We actively understand that He knows best—better than we do. His judgments are right and true. We can trust Him.

I’m reminded of a couple of verses in Proverbs: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

What’s your biggest concern today? Are you fearful? Trust in the Lord.

Make it a habit.

Don’t “believe in yourself,” as many would tell you. Trust in the only One Who's always reliable. 

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried:

he is a buckler to all them that trust in him (2 Samuel 22:31).