Psalm 56:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

NIV: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

NASB: When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

CSB: When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

NLT: But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

KJV: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

NKJV: Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

David did not give up under his enemies' constant oppression. It's important to note that David never claims to be immune to fear. In some of his psalms, David said he was literally shaking in fear (Psalm 55:5). He resolved not to lose faith on account of anxiety (Psalm 3:6; 27:3), often speaking as if he is reminding himself of God's protection (Psalm 27:1; 56:4). Rather than falling apart due to fear, David resolved to rely on the Lord (Psalm 11:1). Fear can either drive a person away from God or to God. Because he was human, David experienced fear, but he took the right course of action. He allowed his fear to drive him to God. His fear did not vanish, but it did not overcome trusting reliance on the Lord.

The Hebrews feared the approaching Egyptian cavalry when they stood at the edge of the Red Sea with no possible escape route. However, Moses called upon the Hebrews to trust in the Lord, saying, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lᴏʀᴅ, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lᴏʀᴅ will fight for you, and you have only to be silent" (Exodus 14:13–14). Fear says, "Run," but faith says, "Stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord."

David prays for God's protection as he is "oppressed" and "trampled" by his enemies. This refers to his experience in enemy territory near the city of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10–15). Despite natural fear, David chooses to trust in God. He knows the Lord will bring judgment to evil people, and that God sees everything which David has experienced. David resolves to praise the Lord once this danger has passed.

When David fled from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 22:17–19), he was forced to enter enemy territory: the land of the Philistines. When he was recognized, David was captured but pretended to be insane (1 Samuel 21:10–15). This psalm reflects his prayer for safety while subject to these dangers.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.