From Fear to Trust

In flight from his own son, David sensed that many of his enemies were closing in on him. They were attacking him physically and attempting to discredit his spiritual life.

"How could he even be a Christian? There's no hope for him!" Ever hear that?

The circumstances didn't look great. But David didn't lose his trust in God.

"But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head" (Ps 3:3).

In the midst of these attacks, David cried out to the LORD and his prayers were answered.

How were they answered? Did God wipe out all of David's enemies in a battle? Did they all get sick and die in the night?

No. It doesn't look like the circumstances changed at all. In verse seven, David cries out for deliverance from his enemies again.

"I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me" (v 5).

God's answer came in physical protection and rest. David had a good night's sleep.

Now a good night's sleep may help change your outlook on life. But it wasn't the psychological benefits of sleep that helped David.

"...the LORD sustained me."

David's change from fear to trust came because he realized that God was continuing to protect him and keep him alive.

"I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around" (v 6).

David's circumstances didn't change. The enemies were still out there. His perspective changed.

Rather than looking at the enemies who were closing in on him, he turned his view toward God.

He trusted God, who is sovereign over all enemies.

The same God is sovereign over your problems. Over your marriage. Over your children. Over your job. Over your health.

"I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me."