Day 72 Trusting God When Fear Appears

Psalm 56 captures a moment when David felt surrounded by enemies and uncertain about what the future might hold. Yet even in the middle of fear, he chooses to anchor his trust in God.

DEVOTIONALS 2026

3/13/20262 min read

📖 March 13 — Psalm 56

Trusting God When Fear Appears

by Torrie Slaughter

Psalm 56 captures a moment when David felt surrounded by enemies and uncertain about what the future might hold. Yet even in the middle of fear, he chooses to anchor his trust in God.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3, ESV)

David does not deny the presence of fear. Instead, he acknowledges it honestly while choosing a different response. Fear may appear in our lives, but it does not have to control our decisions. Trust becomes the pathway that leads us back to peace.

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:4, ESV)

David reminds himself of a powerful truth: God’s Word is more reliable than human threats or circumstances. By praising God’s Word, he refocuses his attention on promises that cannot be shaken by temporary situations.

“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8, ESV)

This verse reveals the compassion of God. Every moment of distress, every tear, and every restless night is known to Him. The Lord does not overlook the struggles of His people. He records them and cares deeply about what they endure.

“This I know, that God is for me.” (Psalm 56:9, ESV)

This declaration becomes the turning point of the psalm. When David remembers that God is on his side, fear loses its power to dominate his thoughts. The presence of God changes how he interprets the situation around him.

“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11, ESV)

The psalm ends with renewed confidence. David chooses trust again, reaffirming that human opposition cannot overturn the purposes of God.

As you pray through Psalm 56 today, allow this simple declaration to settle deeply in your heart: God is for you. Fear may attempt to rewrite the story, but God’s promises remain unchanged.

Trust Him today, even in the moments when uncertainty tries to speak the loudest.