When Darkness is Near

Every kid has nightmares at some point or is afraid of the dark, or becomes frightened of things in their room. Truthfully, a lot of us adults continue to fear the darkness. When we began having children, I did not realize how well-equipped my wife was to help our children face their fears. My wife would teach each of our children a song based on Psalm 56. She got it from her mother, and it goes like this,

   When I am afraid, I will trust in you, I will trust in you, I will trust in you.
   When I am afraid, I will trust in you, I will trust in you, I will trust in you.
   In God, whose word I praise.

This ditty comes directly from Psalm 56:3-4. King David, the psalmist who wrote this, was incredibly transparent about his fears. He was sure he would die either at the hand of the Philistines, or his king, Saul. Although he was anointed to be king, it didn't seem like God was bringing about that reality. Even so, he trusted the Lord despite fierce opponents and dire circumstances. But, Why did he trust the Lord? Because he knew the word of the Lord. For David, God was not an impersonal deity but one who communicated himself to us through his word. Knowing God's word grounded David's mind and heart when the thoughts of death and darkness assailed his emotions and tempted him to believe the worst. Whether you are wrestling with a deep, dark depression or your child fears turning the lights off before bed, the word of God is our strong fortress. His word assures us of his goodness and sovereignty in every dark moment.

Read Psalm 56

Why do people of power, position, and influence seem to be more threatening to us than the comfort and power of the Word of God?
What does God's Word say about those who trust in the Lord?
What has God said in his word that comforts you in the darkness or threat of death?

I'm praying with you Psalm 56:13, which says,
For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Walking with you, learning to trust him,
Loren

Rome International ChurchMay 4, 2023