Psalm 56:3-4

Read Psalm 56:3-4

Helpful Background Information:

• This Psalm was written by David as he was running from Saul who was looking to kill him. The Philistines captured David and held him captive in a city called Gath, just outside of the territory that Saul was king over. This account is recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.

• Being captured by King Achish, David began to fear for his life because the Philistine people knew that David was powerful. King Achish also knew that it was by David’s hand that the Philistine Goliath was killed, putting David’s life in even more danger. With this in mind, the statement in verse 3 about David being afraid was an understatement of his life threatening situation. 

• In verse 4, David refers to the word of God, in some translations this also reads “what he has promised.” In this, he is referring to the promises that God made to David specifically in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. 

Reflection Questions: 

• When reading verse 4, it is appropriate to apply the same understanding that David had for the words of 1 Samuel 16 to our understanding of the promises God made to all believers in the Bible. With that in mind, take some time to list and meditate on some of the promises of God made to us in scripture. What role can God’s promises play in trusting in God’s will for our lives?

• At the end of verse 4, the question is asked “what can mere mortals do to me?” Later, in Matthew 10:28, Jesus echoes something similar. What does this have to say about David’s faith in God’s power over his situation?

• Ask that the Holy Spirit would show you where you might be anxious or afraid of the future. Use David’s words as a guide as you pray through some of those fears or anxieties. What are some ways that you can praise God in this?