Devotional

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

 The words “In God We Trust” pass through your hands all the time. You exchange this reminder with everyone you engage in commerce with—you pass it to them as you pay your bill and they hand it back to you in the form of your change.  

 It’s a phrase we quite literally throw around…but it’s hard to live. 

 When your doctor says it’s cancer; when your employer lays you off; when you’re betrayed by a loved one or friend; when your spouse leaves—in so many of life’s hardships and heartaches, it’s hard to believe, hard to trust.  

 In fact, if we’re honest, when things get tough, we grovel and grasp for answers and anchors of our own invention. We often turn to God as our last resort rather than our first response. 

 As he writes this Psalm, David is fearing for his life. The Philistines had been pursuing him, had him surrounded, his life hung in the balance.  

 He was afraid—who wouldn’t be? And he testified, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” 

 Take a moment today and read the rest of Psalm 56. You’ll see that David’s profession of trust serves up reminders of God’s promises, God’s faithfulness, and that He had David’s back. These reminders bring David from fear to faith.  

 What difficulties and uncertainties do you face today? Trust God. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

 My prayer for this week: 

My Father, you know me in and out. You know my heart. Reveal to me things in my life I am slow to trust you with. Help me avoid rushing to respond in my own strength and ingenuity. Please remind me of your promises and your faithfulness. I want to trust you. I want to rest in You.