WHEN I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN THEE

There were times when David was afraid and did not trust in the Lord. The courage he displayed before Goliath was lacking when he fled from Saul. Having been anointed king by Samuel, he should have left matters in the hands of God, but in fear he resorted to his own devices. Going to Nob, the site of the tabernacle, he lied to the high priest there in order to obtain food and a sword. Having obtained these, he fled to the Philistines, Israel’s long-standing enemies, and to Gath, where Goliath had lived, of all places. His presence there was suspect by some, on account of his past successes against them. In fear, he stooped to feigning madness and escaped; see 1 Sam. 21. 2, 8, 9, 10-15. After his final encounter with Saul, David was still afraid, and fled yet again to the Philistines among whom he was guilty of further deceit; see 1 Sam. 26. 25; 27. 1, 10-12.

The title of this psalm refers it to the time when David was among the Philistines. Yet, later on, he fled in fear of his life from his son Absalom, and this became a talking point throughout Israel, 2 Sam. 15. 14; 19. 9. This shows that he failed at times to practice lessons previously learned and is a salutary reminder of the weakness of the flesh.

Let us be warned. Resorting to dishonesty in times of fear can lead into greater danger. Only by divine intervention were Abraham and Isaac delivered from the predicaments that their lies got them into, Gen. 12. 12-20; 26. 7-10. David almost got caught up in a war against his own nation through his involvement with the Philistines, 1 Sam. 28. 1; 29. 4.

Fear is common to us all. It can un-man the bravest. It is inherent in human nature, and is the legacy of sin. There are many things that make us afraid, sickness, poverty, loneliness, reproach; but there are also many “Fear nots” in the Scriptures to allay fear. David found strength in the Word of God, vv. 4, 10. It is the fear of man, however, which the psalm reflects, and which beset the psalmist so often. Let us remember that “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe”, Prov. 29. 25.

“Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take.” “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”, John 14. 27.