Psalm 56: Trust in God

David wrote several beautiful psalms praising God for His protection.

These come to us as encouragement when facing peril.

Psalms 56 and 57 “have been called ‘twin psalms,’ because of similarities in content and in development of theme. . . . Written under circumstances of grievous trouble, they both express the complete confidence in God that overcomes all fear.” David is surrounded by enemies seeking his life. Everyone has turned against him (Psalm 56:1, 2), but with God at his side, he has nothing to fear (vv. 4, 11). Previous friends are twisting his words and plotting evil deeds against him (v. 5). They are seeking to skillfully arrange an ambush so that David might be taken unawares (v. 6). Will these enemies find safety in their wickedness (v. 7)? Is God not aware that the innocent suffer? Why does He allow it? Yet God does know David’s wanderings (v. 8).

How beautifully David sings of God collecting his tears in a bottle and noting his anguish. “In the book of God’s remembrance,” “every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ’s sake, is recorded.” David is sure he will triumph.

“[For] this I know; that God is for me” (v. 9; emphasis added).

Christians may rest secure, having assurance that the promise of salvation comes from the Lord, and He keeps His promises (Job 19:25; Psalms 20:6; 135:5; 140:12; 2 Timothy 1:12). Psalm 56:11 echoes the sentiment of verse 4. Why be afraid of what humans can do when one trusts in an omnipotent Lord? David ends his short psalm by thanking God for answering his request for protection. The Lord has kept David from death in the past, and he trusts He will allow him to continue to “walk before God in the light of the living” (v. 13).

“O let me walk with Thee, my God, / As Enoch walked in days of old; / Place Thou my trembling hand in Thine, / And sweet communion with me hold; / E’en though the path I may not see, / Yet, Jesus, let me walk with Thee.”