When I am afraid
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? ~ Psalms 56:3-4
Fear is something we all experience at one point or another, and it can creep into our lives in subtle or overwhelming ways. I used to be afraid of many things. Especially when I was a single mom, fear seemed like a constant companion. I was afraid that I wouldn’t have everything I needed to take care of my children. I worried about something bad happening to me or my kids, and sometimes, I was afraid to take steps toward something new, fearing the unknown.
One day I read this passage in Psalms, and it became a lifeline to me during the moments when fear tried to take over. In this Psalm, David declared his trust in God during his own time of fear, boldly stating, “What can flesh do to me?” Those words stood out to me. I realized that my fear, while real, didn’t have to control me. Like David, I could put my trust in God and release the fear that had weighed on my heart.
For many people who don’t have a relationship with God, fear often becomes the driving force behind their decisions. Without the assurance of a loving heavenly Father to guide them, they may live in a constant state of anxiety and uncertainty. Decisions are made based on what might go wrong, or how to avoid worst-case scenarios, rather than living with hope or purpose. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of loss—these fears can trap people in cycles of hesitation, inaction, or poor choices. The absence of God’s peace leaves a void, which fear eagerly fills. However, when we know God and trust Him with our lives, we can break free from the paralysis that fear brings and instead walk forward in confidence, knowing that God holds our future securely in His hands.
As I learned to trust God more, I began to see how He provided for me and my children in ways I couldn’t have imagined. When I was afraid that I wouldn’t have enough, God showed up as my provider. When I worried about something bad happening, He reminded me that His protection was over us. When I feared stepping out in faith, He gave me the courage to move forward, knowing that He was with me every step of the way.
God’s Word reminds us that fear doesn’t have the final say. We serve a God who is greater than our fears. When fear comes knocking, we have a choice—we can either let it paralyze us, or we can place our trust in God, by giving Him control of every area of life. It’s not about pretending we aren’t afraid; it’s about choosing to trust God despite our fear.
Today I want to encourage you if you’re struggling with fear, to meditate on Psalms 56:3-4. Let it remind you that God is with you, that He is trustworthy, and that He will be your strength in moments of weakness. No matter what you are facing, know that you don’t have to face it alone. In those moments when fear tries to keep you from moving forward in life, use that as a reminder to walk in faith instead. You only get one chance to make the most of the time you have in this world. Trust God today in every step you take and leave fear far behind you.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 56
1 Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me.
2 My enemies would hound me all day, for there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
4 In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
5 All day they twist my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil.
6 They gather together, they hide, they mark my steps, when they lie in wait for my life.
7 Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God!
8 You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?
9 When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.
10 In God (I will praise His word), in the Lord (I will praise His word),
11 In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
12 Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You,
13 For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
The Daily Dose 