Psalm 56
Trusting God in the Midst of Fear
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Intro
In Psalm 56, the psalmist expresses their trust in God while facing fear and opposition. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of refuge and deliverance. We will explore the themes of trusting God in times of fear, finding confidence in His promises, and offering praise for His faithfulness.
Section 1: Trusting God in Times of Fear (vs 1-4)
"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?"
Talking Points:
The psalmist's plea for God's mercy in the face of relentless enemies.
The acknowledgment of fear, but the decision to trust in God's protection.
The declaration of confidence in God's word and the insignificance of human adversaries.
Harmony: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV), "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's example of trusting God in the midst of fear inspire you to lean on Him when faced with challenges and opposition?
In what ways can we cultivate a deep trust in God's protection and deliverance, even when fear threatens to overwhelm us?
How does Jesus, as the ever-present source of strength and help, reassure us and enable us to face our fears with confidence?
Section 2: Confidence in God's Promises (vs 5-9)
"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. Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's description of the schemes and conspiracies of their enemies.
The plea for God's intervention and justice against the wicked.
The assurance that God sees and records the psalmist's suffering and tears, and will ultimately bring deliverance.
Harmony: Romans 8:31 (NIV), "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's confidence in God's justice and deliverance encourage you to trust in His promises even in the face of intense opposition?
In what ways can we find assurance in the knowledge that God sees and records our suffering and tears, and will bring about justice in His perfect timing?
How does Jesus, as the embodiment of God's faithfulness and the one who intercedes for us, assure us that God is for us and will answer our calls for help?
Section 3: Offering Praise for God's Faithfulness (vs 10-13)
"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? I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."
Talking Points:
The repetition of praise for God's word and trustworthiness.
The commitment to present thank offerings and fulfill vows to God.
The declaration of deliverance and the desire to live in the light of life before God.
Harmony: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV), "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's expression of praise and thanksgiving challenge you to cultivate a heart of gratitude in all circumstances?
In what ways can we fulfill our vows to God and offer Him thank offerings for His faithfulness and deliverance?
How does Jesus, as the ultimate deliverer from death and the light of life, inspire us to walk before God with gratitude and praise?
Summary
Psalm 56, interpreted through the perspective of the New Covenant in Christ, portrays the psalmist's trust in God's protection and deliverance amidst fear and opposition, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's declaration that he trusts in God and will not fear points to the faith and confidence we can have in Jesus, who is our Rock and Refuge (1 Corinthians 10:4, Psalm 91:2).
The psalmist's acknowledgment of human malice and plots against him reflects the opposition and persecution Jesus faced during His earthly life (Matthew 26:3-4, Matthew 27:12-14).
The psalmist's recognition that God is for him prefigures the assurance we have in Jesus, who is our Advocate and Mediator before the Father (1 Timothy 2:5, Romans 8:31).
The psalmist's determination to praise God and rely on Him anticipates our response of worship and dependence on Jesus, who is worthy of all praise and the source of our strength (Philippians 4:13, Revelation 5:12).
The psalmist's trust in God's promises and faithfulness aligns with our confidence in Jesus, who fulfills all the promises of God (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Ultimately, Psalm 56 leads us to Jesus as our Protector, Advocate, and the object of our praise, inviting us to trust in Him and find courage in the face of adversity and fear.