Eternal Shield – Psalms 56:3-4

When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.
In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid.
What can mere man do to me?

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I’ve thought about this a lot as I have often struggled with being inordinately fearful. When one seeks the constant approval of others, even those he does not know or care about, fear of rejection is a part of everyday life. What others think and say and do is large. This fear handcuffs a person. It is paralyzing. I know. I’ve been there.

In the midst of an arbitration over something our company purchased that had failed, my character was attacked. I am not at liberty to share the details, as if anyone would even care any more, but suffice it to say that it was the first time that I had ever been verbally accosted by someone who cared nothing for the truth and everything about making me look stupid and dishonest. He was good too. (If you want to call it that). More than once I was almost paralyzed with fear and trepidation. On one occasion I literally walked into the room, sat down and then instantly got up and left, not planning to return. Thankfully, a dear brother in Christ met me in the men’s room and talked sense into me. (I’m not sure why I ran to the men’s room. It was pretty much a dead end.) Fear of men is a powerfully negative thing and very unbecoming for a man of God. Yet, I’m just a man and fear is always a temptation for many of us. What is faith and trust without the contrast of fear?

Honestly though, what can a mere man do to me that carries any eternal threat? I mean, we are finite, earthly creatures with very limited power. Most of the power one possesses is based on what others perceive. Who do we think we are and how dare a man of God be so afraid? All men are like a mist that fades away. Our lives are so short. Our influence is so limited and short-lived. Why would I fear a mere mortal? A man? A woman? Notice David’s intentionality.

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.”

Trust in the face of fear is a decision.

Our Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent Father is a shield – an eternal shield that provides protection for us that outdoes any protection on this earth! His Presence is our deliverance from fear – always. Trust in men is iffy. Trust in God is secure. God’s Word is praised for I know that He can be trusted to keep that word to deliver me in any situation, primarily because He has delivered me and will usher me into His presence for all eternity by the saving blood of Lord Jesus. What can a mere mortal do to me? This magnificent truth cannot be gainsaid. It is huge.

Psalms 56:9-11
Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call;
This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
In the Lord, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

There is no other Rock. I know not one. (Isaiah 44:8)