WHEN I AM AFRAID I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN YOU – Psalm 56:3

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3) 

Fear is an emotion experienced by everyone around the world. Fear arises with the threat of harm, physical, emotional or psychological, real or imagined. While traditionally considered a “negative” emotion, fear actually serves an important role in keeping us safe as it mobilizes us to cope with potential danger. 

Most people at times are afraid of something. We live in a world that offers plenty of chances to fear, and we can be rather creative in thinking of new things to be fearful of. Maybe that’s why one of the most often repeated commands in the Bible is “do not be afraid.” Of course, the Bible does more than issue the command; it gives us good reasons why we do not need to be afraid. 

The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. The first type is beneficial and is to be encouraged. The second type is a detriment and is to be overcome. The first type of fear is fear of the Lord. This type of fear does not necessarily mean to be afraid of something; rather, it is a reverential awe of God, a reverence for His power and glory. However, it is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. In other words, the fear of the Lord is a total acknowledgement of all that God is which comes through knowing Him and His attributes. 

Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain and life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26). 

Thus, one can see how fearing God should be encouraged. However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” As we see, a spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God. 

So how can we live our lives without fear? Here are some biblical key verses: 

• We need to trust in God. This is the starting point and the psalmist models the proper choice: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). 

• We need to remember that our Good Shepherd is with us, “though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). 

• We need to understand that God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). 

• And that He is our salvation and therefore “I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). 

In trusting God, we pray to Him, we believe His Word, and we obey His commands. Scripture abounds with reasons why we should not be afraid, based on our trust in the Lord. Here are some additional scriptures that refer to not being afraid – Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 27:1; 34:4; 118:6; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 10:28; John 14:27; Romans 8:38-39. 

Trusting in God will counteract the effects of fear. The Bible’s admonition to not be afraid naturally implies faith in God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

To focus on the source of fear is to engender more fear; to focus on the One who takes fear away is to find comfort. We need to choose to fix our thoughts on whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable and on anything that is excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). 

In choosing to not be afraid, we remember that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). 

Remember that “there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has generously sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing to the book of Revelation, God reminds us to “fear not.” 

For example, Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” 

And in Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” 

These are but a few of the awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, we should trust in God because thru Scripture we know and should understand the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear, it is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). 

Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “…let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them that those who love Your name may rejoice in You” (Psalm 5:11). 

Be willing to obey and not fear, trusting that God will provide all you need. No matter what happens, your faithfulness will result in deep inner peace, and ask God to teach you to take your eyes off of your circumstances and the fearful things that are happening all around us and instead look to Him. 

And always remember the future God has promised His children. We should not worry about tomorrow as Jesus clearly taught (Matthew 6:34). In this life, we have God’s promise to meet every need His children have (Philippians 4:19) and to accomplish His work in us (Philippians 1:6). 

When the Bible tells us, “do not fear,” it means we are not to allow anxiety or fretfulness to rule our lives or take root in our hearts. We are not to be people of panic, but to be people of faith. 

Remember that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). 

Oswald Chamber encourages us to trust God by stating, “During a crisis true Christians are the ones who should always be calm and confident, because they know that God is always in control.” 

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