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Psalm 56:8-13  

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Those who teach that following Christ is a life of health and wealth do a tragic disservice. We live in a fallen world. Jesus said that we should not be surprised by the trouble we face. And certainly, the prayers of David in the psalms remind us that sometimes there will be misery and tears.

The question is not “Will we have challenges?” The question is “How will we respond to the challenges?” Today’s psalm is another exhortation to put our trust in God—the God “whose word I praise.” When we place our trust in Him we can live unafraid. 

What causes the anxiety in your heart? What brings on the fear? What drives the sleep away? What causes your mind to be filled with “what ifs” and “what will happen whens”? What is causing the misery and the tears? God knows and He invites you to cast all those heavy burdens on Him. He can handle the load. Trust Him. Ask Him right now to turn your fear into trust.

Father, fear has taken over my thinking and emotions. You know the reason. I am scared. I am anxious. I dread what may come. Lord, help me cast my fear on You. I’m not even sure I know how but I do know that I can’t handle the load by myself. I trust You to take it and replace the burden with Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.