Let me share something I recently saw in Psalm 56. it is both surprising and encouraging.

Verse 3 has David saying, admitting … “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

Here this giant of a man spiritually admits to fear!

But when he is afraid … he will still lean on the Lord.

Actually, the specific verb “to trust” used in this Verse (spelled “batach” in Hebrew) means “to be so confident in a person that you have absolutely no worry about him keeping his word!” So worry free in that regard that you are “careless,” without a fret or doubt or hesitation! The word is literally translated “careless” one time in the King James Bible.

David when afraid … that’s verse 3.

Now, look at Verse 11, near the Psalm’s conclusion. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”

Wow!

His fear is gone!

I will NOT be afraid!

Is this not some form of spiritual growth?

From “fear” to “no fear!”

Excellent, dear David the Psalmist!

Now watch …

In Verse 3 … the fear comes before the trust … “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

But by Verse 11 … the trust comes before the word fear is used! “In God have I put my trust (“batach” again): I will NOT be afraid what man can do unto me.”

Looks like sincere trust can dissolve fear!

Fear-crushing faith, that’s what David has developed!

Yes, that’s growth!

I remembered that perfect love can cast out fear, 1 John 4:18.

Now I know that perfect (mature) faith can as well!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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