In the Midst of Our Fear, Trust God Psalm 56:3–4

Topic: In the Midst of Our Fear, Trust God.

Text: Psalm 56:3–4 (ESV)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?”

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Introduction

Fear is something we all experience. It doesn’t matter how strong, smart, or spiritual you are—fear knocks on everyone’s door. But in Psalm 56, David gives us a simple, powerful truth: when fear comes, we must choose to trust God. In the Midst of Our Fear, Trust God.

David wrote this Psalm while on the run from King Saul, and even while being seized by the Philistines in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). He was surrounded by enemies, betrayal, uncertainty—and fear. Yet, in the middle of his fear, he declared, “I put my trust in You.”

Let’s explore this theme through five key questions.

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1. What Is Our Fear?

Fear is an emotional response to a threat—real or imagined. It could be fear of failure, rejection, loss, death, loneliness, or the unknown. Fear grips our minds and distorts our reality.

Illustration:
A young man graduated from college with dreams of starting his own business. But the fear of failing—of losing money, being laughed at, disappointing his parents—kept him from ever starting. Years passed, and regret replaced the fear. That’s what fear does—it can paralyze our potential.

• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

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2. What Causes Us Fear?

Fear often arises from:

• Uncertainty (we don’t know what’s ahead)
• Loss of control (we can’t fix or stop something)
• Past trauma or failure
• Threats—whether physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual

Illustration:
Consider the disciples in the boat during the storm (Mark 4:35–41). The winds howled, the waves crashed, and the boat was filling with water. They panicked. Why? Because they felt powerless against the storm, forgetting that Jesus was with them in the boat.

• Mark 4:40 – “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

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3. How Does Fear Impact Our Lives?

Fear can:

• Paralyze decision-making
• Hinder our faith
• Damage our relationships
• Rob us of peace
• Push us into sin (like lying, self-preservation, compromise)

Illustration:
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denied Jesus three times out of fear (Luke 22:54-62). Fear of being arrested or harmed led him to deny the very one he promised to never leave.

• Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

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4. How Can Trust Drive Away Fear?

When we trust God:

• We remember He is in control
• We rely on His promises, not our feelings
• We believe He is with us, even in the storm
• We surrender our outcomes to His perfect will

Illustration:
Corrie ten Boom, a Christian who hid Jews during WWII, was captured and imprisoned in a concentration camp. Surrounded by death and despair, she wrote later, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Her trust gave her strength even in hellish circumstances.

• Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God...”

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5. What Does a Life Trusting God Look Like?

A person who trusts God:

• Prays instead of panics
• Praises instead of complains
• Walks in obedience despite fear
• Encourages others in their fear
• Has peace that surpasses understanding

Illustration:
In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before King Nebuchadnezzar. They were threatened with death if they didn’t bow to the idol. But they said, “Our God is able to deliver us, but even if He does not—we will not bow.” That is fearless trust.

• Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer... the peace of God... will guard your hearts and minds.”

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Conclusion: Trusting God in the Midst of Fear

Psalm 56:3–4 doesn’t promise a life without fear—it promises that when fear comes, we can choose to trust God. And when we do, fear loses its grip.

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

Let me leave you with this challenge:

• What fear are you holding onto today?
• What would it look like to surrender that fear to God—right now?

Pray with David:

“In God, whose word I praise… I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

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Prayer:

“Lord, we confess that we are often afraid—of people, of the unknown, of pain and loss. But we choose to trust You. Drive out fear with the light of Your truth and the strength of Your presence. Teach us to walk by faith, not by sight. In Jesus’ name, amen.”