Choosing Faith over Fear

Theme Scripture: Psalm 56:3 - "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

Supporting Scripture: 1 Samuel 21:10-22:2

Introduction

Psalm 56 captures a moment of profound struggle in David’s life, marked by fear, doubt, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. David was fleeing from King Saul, and with no safe place left within Israel, he made the bold decision to seek refuge in Gath, a Philistine city, and ironically, the home of Goliath, whom David had defeated. Surrounded by enemies who knew him as a fierce military leader, David faced rejection and was forced to pretend to be insane to escape. But in his desperation, David turned to God, pouring out his heart in Psalm 56. This psalm embodies both his fear and his unwavering trust in God, reminding us that faith and fear often coexist, with faith ultimately triumphing when placed in God’s hands. As he was in this situation and pretending to be insane, he was praying in his heart; “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised in his word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

To understand this Psalm we should read it in conjunction with scriptures from 1 Sam. 21:10-22:2. The story tells about what happens when fear meets faith in person. It encourages us to trusting God in uncertain times.

The Hebrew word for "trust" in this verse, בָּטַח ("batach"), suggests an unshakeable confidence and reliance on God, a security so deep that it transcends the limitations of our circumstances. David teaches us that while fear is real, faith in God becomes a stronghold, a safe place that even the most hostile territory cannot threaten.

When There's Nowhere Left to Hide (Psalm 56:3-4)

David's desperation drove him into the enemy’s camp, a last resort when Israel held no refuge for him. In that moment of profound isolation and fear, David says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." This is a powerful statement of surrender. Though David could not find safety in Israel and was rejected by his enemies, he chose to trust God as his ultimate refuge.

The church today should be a sanctuary for those in need of comfort, not a place where the hurting feel like there’s nowhere to hide. Just as David found himself vulnerable in enemy territory, many people come to church feeling the weight of their struggles and looking for a safe place. May we be that source of comfort for others, extending warmth and hope to those who are brokenhearted. May we be the reason someone finds hope; may we be the safe place they turn to when they have nowhere else to go.

A church is a hospital where the sick and injured come to heal. It is not a place for the healthy but for those who need care and compassion. The church is a refuge for the spiritually wounded, a place where people should find support and understanding, not rejection. We must ensure that no one who seeks refuge in the house of God feels cast out.

From the fear of rejection to the fear of financial ruin or illness, we all have situations that threaten to overwhelm us. In Psalm 56:4, David reaffirms his trust, saying, "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"

David prayed not only for physical protection but also for deliverance from the emotional and mental strain of his enemies watching and waiting for him to stumble. He says in verse 8, “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.” The imagery of God collecting our tears reminds us that He sees, knows, and treasures every hurt and sorrow we endure.

In the Hebrew culture, tear bottles were literal containers where mourners would collect their tears, symbolizing their pain and longing. God cherishes our tears and holds our pain close, showing us that our suffering is not forgotten. God’s meticulous care and attention to our suffering assure us that He is with us even in the deepest valleys.

From Rejection to Refuge

When David fled from Gath, rejected and humiliated, he sought shelter in the cave of Adullam. And there, unlike the rejection he experienced in Gath, David welcomed those who were broken and weary. 1 Samuel 22:2 tells us that “everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him.” David, a fugitive himself, became a refuge for others. Sometimes there is reason why God allows us to go what we go through, so that we do wish anyone to have the same experience that we had.

This image of David surrounded by the brokenhearted reminds us of the calling of the church. Just as David welcomed the incapable, so must we. The church is called to open its doors to those in need, to be a place of welcome for the weary, the hurting, and the vulnerable. This is where transformation begins, not by casting people out, but by drawing them in and trusting God to lift them up.

David’s confidence rises as he declares, "In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?" Here, David emphasizes "God’s Word," expressing his trust in God’s promises. Faith is not just a feeling but a response to God’s revealed truth. As you dwell in God’s word and promises your faith is lifted.

Romans 10:17 reminds us, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." David’s faith in God's Word becomes his defense against fear. He trusts that God is not only able to deliver him but willing to do so. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes that, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” The word of God is our refuge.

God's Word is like a cherished letter held tightly by a soldier on the battlefield, carrying words from a loved one, maybe his child or wife. Those words become a lifeline, infusing the soldier with strength, courage, and hope amidst the surrounding chaos. God’s Word is our letter of love, encouragement and assurance, anchoring us in His promises when we face our darkest moments.

Faith Beyond Fear (Psalm 56:10-11)

David’s faith was tested in a profound way. Having no earthly refuge, he declared, “In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid.” David chose to cling to God’s promises, knowing that even though people had rejected him, God would never abandon him. This trust went beyond fear, transforming his sense of despair into hope.

Fear is one emotion that can overwhelm us at some point or another throughout our lives. Often, fear is a result of an individual’s feeling of powerlessness coupled with the knowledge that there is danger within the environment. The Greek term for fear, φόβος ("phobos"), often carries both the connotation of awe and dread. Fear, however, can become an avenue of faith when we bring it to God. David shows us that it is in moments of deepest fear that we can experience the greatest faith if we choose to trust in God’s unchanging Word.

Imagine a young child in a dark room, at first overwhelmed by shadows and shapes that seemed frightening. But as soon as a parent enters the room, the darkness loses its power. The parent’s presence fills the child with such a deep sense of safety that fear vanishes entirely. No longer is the darkness something to be afraid of; instead, it’s merely the backdrop for a greater truth, the parent is there, and nothing can harm them.

In the same way, God’s presence doesn’t just comfort us; it has the power to remove fear altogether. When we truly understand that God is with us, our fears are silenced because we know we are fully protected and secure. God’s love is a stronghold, a safe place where fear cannot dwell. His presence assures us that no matter what lies ahead, we have nothing to fear. Faith in God is not about coexisting with fear but about resting so fully in His love and power that fear disappears entirely.

The Apostle Paul speaks to this absolute security in Romans 8:28, saying, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” This verse reminds us that no matter what happens, God is orchestrating everything for our benefit. We are in the hands of the Creator, who knows every detail of our lives and arranges it all for our good. When we trust that God is in control, fear loses its hold on us because we know nothing can come into our lives without first passing through God’s loving purpose.

Paul goes even further in Romans 8:31, asking, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” This is not just a rhetorical question; it is a declaration of the overwhelming power of God’s love for us. When God is on our side, nothing can stand against us. We are completely shielded, and any obstacle or challenge is insignificant in light of God’s greatness. If the Creator of the universe is actively supporting us, there is no room for fear, only a confident assurance that we are invincible through His love.

Finally, in Romans 8:37, Paul affirms, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” We are not merely surviving; we are triumphing. Through Christ’s love, we have a victory so complete that it eliminates all need for fear. His love surrounds us, empowers us, and equips us to face life with absolute confidence. We are more than conquerors, fully secure and fully protected in God’s love.

When we put our faith in God, we realize that fear has no place in our lives. His presence drives out every trace of fear, filling us instead with peace, confidence, and joy. We can walk boldly into each day, knowing that God is with us and for us, that He is working everything for our good, and that His love is greater than anything we might face. So, let us let go of fear entirely and embrace the unshakable truth that we are safe in the arms of a loving, powerful God.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." And Isaiah 41:10 says; “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” When worried Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us and says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

The Church as a Place of Restoration and Hope (Psalm 56:12-13)

David’s final appeal is one of gratitude and purpose. He declares his intention to "render thank offerings" to God, and in verse 13, he praises God for delivering him so he could walk in the “light of life.” David understood that his deliverance was not just for his own sake but was meant to glorify God and give hope to others.

The church today is meant to be a beacon of hope, a place where people can find healing and restoration. The world should see something different within the church; a kindness, a compassion, and a spirit of grace that reflects God’s love. People in the church should demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ, standing as a stark contrast to the coldness often found in the world.

Just as a doctor’s duty is to bring healing to the sick, our duty as believers is to bring hope to the hopeless. David’s refuge became a place of transformation, and the church should be the same, a place where God lifts people up from despair and renews their hope.

David’s deliverance was not just about escaping his troubles but was also about living a life that brings glory to God. His deliverance was meant to showcase God’s power and faithfulness. Jesus echoes this same principle in John 8:12 when He says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Allow your light to shine everywhere you go. As we trust in God, we don’t just seek refuge; we walk in the light of His presence, transformed to be a testimony of His grace and also share the Grace with others. God promises to comfort us in our times of fear, reminding us that in Him, we find strength, love, and peace.

Conclusion

David’s journey through fear into faith serves as a roadmap for us. In moments of uncertainty, we can remember David’s example and declare, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” This trust is not passive but an active stance against fear, rooted in God’s Word and His faithful presence. Just as David chose to trust in God despite his fears, we, too, can choose faith over fear in our own lives.

Let us commit to place our trust in God whenever fear arises. Like David, let us boldly declare our confidence in God’s power to deliver, protect, and guide us. In doing so, we will find that our fears are silenced in Jesus Name, and our faith is strengthened as we walk in the light of His promises.

David’s journey from rejection in Gath to the refuge of the cave of Adullam teaches us that fear does not have to drive us away from God. Instead, it can be an invitation to place our trust in Him. David became a refuge for those in need, reflecting God’s own heart for the brokenhearted. As God heals us, let us heal others.

As a church, let us open our arms to those in need, offering a place of comfort and restoration. Let us be the ones who bring hope, compassion, and love to those who walk through our doors. Let us be the safe haven, a place where the world’s rejected can find God’s acceptance.

A church is a shelter to anyone during a storm. When the winds of life are raging, people should be able to run to the church for protection. Our God is able to heal people. His love more than enough. Oh hallelujah! Likewise, our faith and love should be like a shelter that welcomes all who need a place of refuge. Oh hallelujah! Praise the Lord!!

Commit to being that refuge. Have a big heart. God is always able to provide refuge to anyone. May we trust God in our own times of fear and extend that trust to others, becoming a source of hope and light. As David trusted God and became a beacon of refuge, may we too be a place of comfort for those in need, showing them the love and compassion of Christ. Jesus said, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”