In God I Trust

Greetings!!!

Psalm 56:3-4 says this,

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, who’s word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 56:3-4

In his commentary on the Psalms, David Kidner says this,

“Confidence in the Lord is a purposeful decision, replacing an emotional reaction to ones circumstances.”  

David Kidner

With so much happening in the world, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by our emotions. It’s natural for us to get sidetracked or even sidelined by our feelings. However, we must resist the temptation to let our emotions control us and instead find solace in trusting the Lord. I understand that it’s easier said than done, but He has made remarkable promises and will fulfill each and every one of them.

“Faith is seen here (in verse 3 of the 56th psalm) as a deliberate act, in defiance of one’s emotional state.”

David Kidner

David (not David Kidner, but King David, the author of this psalm) most likely wrote this psalm in response to the events described in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. During that time, David found himself fleeing from Saul, feeling afraid yet still holding onto hope. While David had his flaws, he was also known as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), a characteristic that shines through in the Psalms. David consistently displayed confidence, turning to, and trusting in the Lord, setting an example of a sanctified response to human failings.

“Fear and hope may seem incompatible, yet hope never really blossoms until it is beset by fear.”

John Calvin

“and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Rom 8:28

This includes everything that touches on the terrible, the treacherous, and even the tumultuous aspects of life. It encompasses the current situations we face in our own lives, not just metaphorically speaking. For instance, at this very moment, my kids are in the backyard acting foolishly. It also encompasses every spectacular sin. I recommend John Piper’s book “Spectacular Sins” as a must-read, where he provides an explanation of God’s sovereignty in permitting sin. God’s sovereignty extends over all things, including, but not limited to, the terrible, the treacherous, and even the tumultuous. All these factors contribute to the fulfillment of His will and the execution of His purpose, even if our understanding is often limited (Isaiah 55:8-9). In such moments, we must consciously choose to hold fast to our faith!

It is intriguing to observe that immediately after David’s declaration, “I put my trust in you” (verse 3), he proceeds to emphasize in verse 4a, “In God, whose word I praise.” This reaffirmation is further emphasized in verse 10, where he once again proclaims, “In God, whose word I praise.” Why does David praise God’s word? The reason lies in the profound impact of diligent study and devoted adherence to God’s word, as they provide the basis for finding reasons to trust (I have used “trust” and “faith” interchangeably).

“This comes as a rebuke to us who, though we may not outwardly betray our feelings, inwardly grumble when we are left with only the naked word of God.”

John Calvin in his book “Commentary on the Psalms”

How true is that statement, especially when it comes to our tendency to neglect turning to the Word of God. Many of us are quick to succumb to our emotions, but we should resist the urge to be swayed by fleeting feelings or sentiments. Instead, our trust should be firmly rooted in the living and enduring Word of God. It is through the guidance of God’s Word that we should navigate our lives. Whether we find ourselves confused, fearful, joyful, or saddened, we ought to seek solace and guidance in the Word of God. It is vital that we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, for it is there that we can discover the source of praise even amidst the most terrifying circumstances. Let us establish our foundation in the faithful and eternally rewarding Word of God. 

Verse four continues with a straightforward declaration: “I shall not be afraid.” This statement reveals that refusing to succumb to fear is a direct result of placing our trust in God. It stems from anchoring our hope in God alone, rather than in ourselves, humanity, or any other source.

“But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved –

Ephesians 2:4

Ah,

“The Great Buts of Scripture”

Jordan Bakker

When Jordan was in seminary, he wrote a paper called, “the Great Buts of Scripture.” I’d actually really like to read that.

“What can flesh do to me?” Repeated again in verse 11 and in Psalm 118:6 and in Hebrews 13:6. We can be hurt, but in Christ we cannot be defeated. There may always exist in our hearts a tug-of-war between our faith and our fear, but

“when our minds are at peace, there is little need for hope, for hope only comes into its own when it raises the dejected and calms the agitated.”

John Calvin

Love you, miss you, thinking of you,

mike

P.s. Hebrews 13:5 says this,

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

Hebrews 13:5

“I will not leave you or forsake you.”

Joshua 1:5

“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”

Psalm 34:22