It is a widespread phenomenon for individuals of all ages to reach out to their mothers when gripped by fear. From the earliest stages of infancy, a mother possesses an innate ability to shield and nurture her child. This maternal bond consistently provides comfort in times of distress. Fear serves as a signal to our body, mind, and spirit, prompting us to either flee from imminent danger or seek shelter. While some may perceive fear as unfounded, such as the fear of darkness, it is important to acknowledge that this sentiment does not universally apply. For instance, when an animal detects the presence of a predator, fear induces a surge of adrenaline, compelling the prey to run faster in a bid to evade capture. Fundamentally, fear activates our brain cells, compelling us to take immediate and appropriate action to evade potential threats.
What Can Mere Mortals Do To Me?
Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:1-3 (NIV)
David likely internalized this Psalm during his captivity by the Philistines in Gath. The circumstances may have prevented him from physically recording the Psalm at that time, but he later had the opportunity to do so. David found himself isolated in the court of Achish, the king of Gath. Despite seeking refuge, the situation took a turn as word spread of David’s triumphs against the Philistine army, altering the dynamics within the court.
David, the chosen one of God, feigned madness, and God extended His grace, causing Achish to dismiss David instead of entertaining a madman in his kingdom. At that moment, David sensed the presence of God, in whom he had not previously placed his trust, and sought refuge with Achish. He then professed his faith, declaring, “In God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” However, it is evident that David’s initial trust was not in God, but when God protected him against all odds, David recognized His presence in a peculiar situation and once again placed his trust in Him. This occurrence is extraordinary, as fear and faith are typically incompatible, yet God can instil courage within us despite our doubt.
Usual, Not Unique
All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
Psalm 56:5-7 (NIV)
Paul comforted the believers in Corinth, assuring them that their troubles and trials were not unique. He reiterated that God would not allow them to endure more than they could bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is a common misconception for individuals to exaggerate the challenges they face and perceive them as exclusively their own when they become aware of the true nature of people and the world.
David found himself in a similar situation, where people were pursuing him with the intention of taking his life. Feeling deeply affected by this, David beseeched God to eliminate those who sought to harm him from the earth. If God responds to such appeals, whom did He intend to save by sacrificing His only Son’s life?
As we contemplate the unchanging nature of God throughout the past, present, and future, we recognize that the world’s wickedness continues unabated. However, we find hope in God’s provision of redemption through the sacrifice of His Son, which extends to the future of these sinful individuals. When faced with such vulnerable circumstances, let us not yield to despair, but instead, let us raise our gaze to behold the One who has redeemed us and holds the power to redeem the rest of the world.
Are They Not In Your Record?
You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights,
Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.If my enemies run away, turn tail when I yell at them, Then I’ll know
Psalm 56:8-11 (MSG)
that God is on my side. I’m proud to praise God, proud to praise God.
Fearless now, I trust in God; what can mere mortals do to me?
While the ESV Bible translation suggests that David asked God to record his miseries (Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll), nearly all other translations convey that David was well aware that God keeps track of his ways and records all his afflictions. Yet, because of our trouble-filled hearts, we often underestimate the power and knowledge of God. This misconception leads us to think that God sent His Son to empathize with our miseries, instead of realizing that God sent His Son to save us from our miseries.
None of us truly grasp the perilous fate of eternal death, but God, in His boundless knowledge, chose to save us by sacrificing the life of His only Son. Is it not absurd on our part to ask Him to take note of our miseries, when He already knew of them even before we ourselves became aware of their existence?
When discussing God’s unparalleled knowledge of our future, many question the concept of “free will.” They argue that if God knows or controls our future, what is the point of giving us free will? However, it is believed that God does not revoke the freewill bestowed upon us, but rather showers us with His grace to exercise it in the right manner. Those who challenge the integrity of God in allowing us to exercise free will are often the very individuals who choose evil over good.
The Psalmist has documented his profound encounter as he chooses to seek God in the face of numerous challenges. He expressed his awe as he witnessed his enemies’ downfall, comprehending the insignificance of human efforts when God is always on our side. Previously, he relied on human beings, but he now acknowledges their insignificance in the presence of God.
Thank God With All Our Hearts
God, you did everything you promised, and I’m thanking you with all my heart.
Psalm 56:12-13 (MSG)
You pulled me from the brink of death, my feet from the cliff-edge of doom.
Now I stroll at leisure with God in the sunlit fields of life.
David, unaware of God’s decision to redeem us from eternal death, found joy when his life was saved from his enemies, and expressed profuse gratitude to God. As we comprehend the unmatched truth that God saved us from eternal death by sacrificing His only Son, how much more should we express gratitude? Are we truly grateful for His wondrous act, or do we still expect miracles in our lives? Having experienced God’s protection from dangerous enemies, David resolved not to stray, but to walk according to his free will in alignment with God’s will.
This Psalm urges us to entrust our lives to God, who saved us from eternal death. When fear serves as a signal to our body, mind, and spirit, we either flee from imminent danger or seek shelter. Let us choose the latter and seek shelter in God our one true refuge.
God, grant us the wisdom to exercise our free will in choosing You amid the myriad of challenges we face.
Kindle our faith when we are daunted by the actions of our adversaries.
Assist us in comprehending Your unconditional love, which has delivered us from the consequences of sin,
and may You bestow upon us the Spirit to worship You in sincerity and truth.
The Jordan Valley 
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