Day 72 Fear Distorts Reality – When We Doubt God’s Timing Reflection on Psalm 56

Fear Distorts Reality – When We Doubt God’s Timing

by Torrie Slaughter

📖 Psalm 56:3-4 – “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?”

In times of turmoil and strife, where do we turn for solace and strength? How do we navigate the stormy seas of life when our hearts are heavy with burdens and our minds are clouded with worries? These are questions that have echoed through the ages, resonating with each one of us in our own unique journeys. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is a timeless source of wisdom and comfort: the Psalms.

🔎 Reflection:
Zechariah doubted the angel’s message because of fear, and Moses struck the rock in frustration. Fear often distorts our reality, making us feel as though God’s promises are out of reach. But David reminds us that when we are afraid, we must make an intentional choice to trust in God. Trusting God is not passive—it is a daily decision.

Verse 1 opens with a cry for help: "Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea." How often have we uttered these words in moments of desperation, feeling as though our prayers are falling on deaf ears? Yet, the psalmist reminds us that God is always attentive to our cries, even when we feel abandoned or alone.

As we journey through the psalm, we encounter the raw emotions of the psalmist as he grapples with betrayal and deceit. He speaks of enemies who surround him, seeking to destroy him with their words and actions. In verse 12, he laments, "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend." These words pierce our hearts with their poignancy, reminding us of the pain that comes from betrayal by those we trust.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. In verses 16-18, the psalmist exhorts us to cast our burdens upon the Lord, knowing that He will sustain us. "As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." These words remind us that we are never alone, that God is with us in every moment of our lives, ready to lift us up and carry us through the storms.

Finally, the psalm concludes with a declaration of trust and confidence in God's faithfulness. In verses 22-23, we read, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you." These words serve as a powerful reminder that God is our refuge and our strength, a stronghold in times of trouble.

✅ Application:
Think about an area of your life where fear is causing doubt. Speak God’s promises over it today and declare that you trust Him.

🙏 Prayer: Lord, I choose to trust You even when fear tries to distort my reality. I declare that Your timing is perfect, and I will wait in faith. Amen.