May 4, 2023: It Matters Where You Place Your Trust

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3, ESV)
 
Fear is a common human emotion to things that causes us to dread the outcome or become anxious. Everyone experiences fear, but not everyone knows how to face it and overcome it. David, in Psalm 56, tells us the truth about himself: "I get afraid!" Yes, King David, leader of the mighty men, found himself entering into fear. What did he do to overcome and resist that fear? He put his trust in God!
    
The word 'trust,' in our passage, is a beautiful Hebrew word with deep significance. It is simultaneously knowing and experiencing security and an 'all is well' feeling. You do this because you have solid confidence in God. David had trust in God; therefore, he felt safe and secure. Because of his past experience with God, he can confidently rely upon God in the current moment.
    
This is possible because of God's 'Hesed.'  Hesed is God's unfailing love and mercy expressed through the covenant from God to David; and David's observation of the covenant with his fathers before him. This perspective leads him to have hope instead of fear!  Hesed is not based upon our performance but upon God's lovingkindness! You do not have to earn it. It comes not because of what you have done but because of who He is! In another place, David said, "Some may trust in horses, some in chariots, but we will trust in the name of our God." It matters where you place your trust.  Where does your confidence rest?