Peter Barnes: Psalm 56
SERMON NOTES: WHEN I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST GOD (Psalm 56)
David wrote this Psalm when he was afraid, in Gath (see 1 Sam. 21 or 1 Sam. 27 & 29) – 1 Sam. 21:10-12. We will take Psalm 56:3 as the key text.
- When I am afraid …
– 56:1-2, 5-6. Both the NIV and the NKJV say that in verse 5 David is complaining: ‘they twist my words’. Spurgeon: ‘A wolf can always find in a lamb’s discourse a reason for eating him.’
- I put my trust in You.
– 56:3. Faith is not just a warm feeling, but faith in God as He has revealed Himself in His Word – 56:4, 10. That Word tells us about God:
(a) He judges.
– 56:7; also Ps.55:23. Some think He only woos and loves, and is winsome. No, He judges. He will act in wrath against all evil-doers.
(b) He sympathises.
– 56:8. Also Ex.3:7-8; Isaiah 63:9; Rev.21:4.
(c) He gives victory.
– 56:4, 9, 11; see Matt.10:28; Rom.8:31-35.
– all this leads to obedience and praise – 56:12-13.
– David faces up to his fears, and works through what it means to trust the God of the Bible who judges, sympathises, and grants victory to all who look to Him. Take Psalm 56:3 away with you.