“I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:4 NLT
I want you to make a list of the things you worry about-not a mental list, but a real paper/pencil list of your worries.
- Bills
- Family issues
- Guilt
- Grades
- Job stress
- Marital conflict
- Gossip
- Housework
Now take your list of worries and beside each one write if those things are of God or “mere mortals.”
When David wrote Psalm 56 he was recalling a time when he had been seized by the Philistines and taken to Gath, Goliath’s hometown. Everyone around him wanted to destroy him. Only one person was looking out his well-being, God.
Maybe your worries make you feel like everyone is against you. Maybe you feel like you are being crushed under the weight of your circumstances. So did David. But find comfort in the same truth that he did. “What can mere mortals do to me?”
One thing I have learned about our God, is that He wants us to believe that He bigger than our circumstances. His ability to protect us is bigger than our worries. His providence sees farther than the moment. He wants us to trust Him.
I love it that David, in the middle of despair, says, “I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” David quits focusing on men and fixes his hope in promises of God. He praises God. He trusts God. He relinquished his fear. What does that look like for you and me?
- Block out the criticism and persecution that comes from people
- Relinquish your fears
- Focus on God
- Praise God
- Trust God’s promises
For extra credit go read all of psalm 56 and leave a comment here on how this psalm speaks to your heart.