What to do when I'm afraid
In times of uncertainty and trial, we often feel afraid like it can’t be helped. While we can be afraid we can still acknowledge and proclaim three universal Christian truths - truths that King David knew dearly.
Psalm 16 was written during a troubling time in King David’s life. We’re not entirely sure what troubles King David was experience but we know through this ‘miktam’ (a musical term understood as ‘golden’ or ‘to cover’) that King David entrusted his whole being to God, finding contentment and strength.
This miktam shows us the three truths that King David held dear.
Truth 1: God is my security
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.” (verse 1-2)
Today, security may look like money in the bank, locked doors in your home, a permanent and well paying job, or like during this pandemic, a vaccine. King David was a king, warrior and hero in the eyes of the Israelites; you could say he had it all, but he found security in God alone. Even when faced with death, David knew that God was his refuge, the very same God he called ‘El’ (meaning “God most high”), ‘Yahweh’ (meaning “I am what I am”) and ‘Adonai’ (meaning “God is my master”).
Truth 2: God is my treasure
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot (verse 5)
As affluent as he would become as king, David was the youngest among his siblings meaning he was destined to receive the smallest portion of his inheritance. Yet, David confidently proclaims that his portion is God alone. God is his treasure and David is content with that. He is proclaiming that regardless of the riches in the world, he only found precious value in God.
Truth 3: God is my trusted counselor
Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Saviour of those who seek refuge, from their adversaries at your right hand.
King David went on to write the very famous Psalm 119 where he says, “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” (verse 24). Even years later, when David was King and father to Solomon, the Lord was still his trusted counselor; the one who knew David’s inner most thoughts and heard his cries. David knew that his God would be a trusted counselor till the very end, saying in verse 9 and 10:
My body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
The “Holy One” (also translated to “your faithful one”) David writes about is himself, yet with greater understanding we know that this is a fulfillment of Jesus’ death and life in the resurrection. Psalm 16:10 is quoted twice in Acts 2:29-31 when Peter talks about Christ’s resurrection, King David and his bold confidence that God would never abandon him. This is the level of trust that we should have in Christ.
It’s okay to be afraid and to also confidently know that God will hold us in times of difficulty - even to the point of death, he will never abandon us.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you are always the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Like you were King David’s security, treasure and trusted counselor; You are that to me too. Even though I feel afraid of an uncertain future or circumstance, I pray that my heart would stand firm in your Word and your promises.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen