When I Am Afraid Explore the Bible Series October 18, 2009
Background Passage: Psalm 56:1-13 Lesson Passage: Psalm 56:1-13
The superscription of this Psalm indicates that David wrote
these words during his sojourn with the Philistines (See I
Samuel 21:10-15). Wearied by the constant threats of King Saul,
David nearly broke under the stress of fear, and he used this
Psalm to give expression to his emotional distress. I value this
Psalm, among many others, because it provides insight into the
emotional life of a great man of God. David’s godliness did not
exempt him from the frailties of human nature, and his genuine
transparency about his fears helps me understand the
machinations of my own heart. David’s relationship with Saul
deteriorated badly after Saul’s disobedience at Gilgal (See I
Samuel 15:1-35). God rejected Saul as king of In a frantic
effort to escape Saul’s treachery, David sought refuge, of all
places, among the Philistines. Achish, king of the Philistine
city of Fear has a crippling effect on Go