“When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).
I will never forget this verse because it was the first one I ever memorized. When I was a little girl it was easy to recite over and over, especially if I was trying to go to sleep or if it was dark outside. Context is an important thing. In Psalm 55 the writer says, “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught” (vs. 1-2). The beautiful language continues in Psalm 57:1-2, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”
Disaster. Trouble. Fear. These words often go together in our lives. A home burns down or suffers damage in a storm. A child is losing their faith as they believe the lies of peer pressure. A family is torn apart by secrets, miscommunication, and bitterness. A woman is forgetting who she is in the shadow of constant introspection. A mother has to let her child make his or her own mistakes. A Christian learns to hold God’s hand when one cannot see the next step. These are all instances of disaster, trouble, or fear. It is wonderful to know that whenever these things attack, we can still trust that God is in control.
Karyn Pugh
Tennessee
Pray Together: PANAMA: Pray for Chame seminary students ministering at the Las Tablas FWB Church.
