UNROLL
One wild gray rock dove on a bare limb of an oak in the low hills, and far beyond it the small dark mound of Gath, under soft plain cloud.

Trust · David

Psalm 56

David is in the hands of the Philistines at Gath, and he is afraid. Here are two lines for when you are too.

13 verses≈ 3 min1 personBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

  1. 1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'
  2. 42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressurePsalm 56
  3. 73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom falls
  4. 90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
  5. 107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last Hallelujah

Be Merciful to Me, O God

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

Be merciful to me, O God,

for men are hounding me;

all day they press their attack.

My enemies pursue me all day long,

for many proudly assail me.

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When I am afraid,

I put my trust in You.

In God, whose word I praise—

in God I trust.

I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

Reflect

When, not if

“When I am afraid,” not if. David doesn’t deny the fear. What are you afraid of this week, and what would it be to say this line in the middle of it?

You have taken account of my wanderings.

Put my tears in Your bottle—

are they not in Your book?

Then my enemies will retreat

on the day I cry for help.

By this I will know that God is on my side.

From inside a limestone cave at evening, looking out: David, bearded now, sits on a rock at the cave mouth with his knees drawn up, a long cloth-wrapped sword beside him, gazing over the darkening hills; a small fire burns behind him.

In God, whose word I praise,

in the LORD, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

Morning on a narrow stony path along a ridge: a young man, small and from behind, walks out of the shadow of the hills into clear light, the mound of Gath far behind him.

Your vows are upon me, O God;

I will render thank offerings to You.

For You have delivered my soul from death,

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of life.

0:12

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Pray

Tears no one saw

Bring God the tears no one else has seen, and the places you have run to. Tell Him what He already knows: “You have taken account of my wanderings.”

You’ve experienced

Psalm 56

0 of 150 psalms read

A verse to carry with you

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

Psalm 56:3

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