We live with fear in our lives. We fear the unknown, the future. We fear getting old. We fear being alone with no one there who cares for us. There are many things in life that cause us to fear.

David had a great faith in God. He knew every day that God was present in his life. At times he wondered why God allowed his enemies to rule over him, but he trusted in God. Listen to him in Ps 56:3, 4, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" (ESV)

Notice David said, "When I am afraid…" There were things in David’s life, just as we have in ours, that cause fear. The important thing is what we do with that fear. Will we allow it to destroy us? Will we turn away from God? Will we trust in things or people instead of God? The text tells us when David was afraid he trusted in the Lord. He did not let fear rule his life. He did, however, allow God to lead him.

The prophet Jeremiah stated, I know O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it’s not in man who walks to direct his steps." (Jer. 23:10 ESV) Jeremiah knew men try to make their way without God. Anytime we do this we will be led away from God instead of to Him. Do you make all your decisions in life without God’s guidance? Are you trying to go your own way instead of God’s? Hopefully God is the one leading your life today.

The Apostle Paul stated, "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Tim 1:7 ESV) If we live in constant fear, who are we following, God or Satan? God wants us to be a people who are trusting in Him for our guidance. He wants us to lay our fears at His feet knowing He will direct our steps in the right way. That is powerful! God desires for us to be confident in Him not in our own selves.

The next time you catch yourself fearing something, remember David’s words and pray for God’s guidance. Allow Him to help you overcome whatever you fear. He desires to do so.