There are times in the lives of God’s people when, for one reason or another, we get our eyes on what is happening around us rather than what God is doing in us and for us. When that happens, there is fear because of events, people, and the uncertainty of what might happen to us. David experienced that and so went to Gath, where he found people were no different there than where he left. This whole world is “a wilderness wide.” “There is none good, no not one.” There is no way the natural man can be counted on to make things better for the child of God. So, this “Michtam (permanent) of David” is here to teach us a permanent lesson regarding dealing with fear.
He began the psalm with an appeal to God for help, in which he calls for mercy. He was being harassed by those who oppressed him. Those Philistines likely remember the victory over Goliath. They “trampled” on him and distorted his words. They attacked him with words and plotted evil against him by planning to bring him down and “swallow him up.” His supplication for deliverance by God is understandable. Some things are beyond our ability, even though we are called upon to exercise courage in times of danger. David needed courage in the past. Israel will need God-given courage in the future during the tribulation, and we need courage today to deal with our fears.
Fear and faith may be experienced at the same time. Ultimately, one will conquer the other. In fact, fear may bring out faith, but “perfect love casts out fear.” “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee,” David wrote words that should come from our hearts. Like the psalmist, we put our trust in the character of God; we put our trust in the faithfulness of God; we put our trust in the word of God – and we trust Him without fear. No matter what is happening around us and to us, we are immortal until our work is done. God’s power can overcome every aspect of human feebleness. Trust robs fear of its power over us. God is eternal, and we are mere mortals.
God’s word promises protection and deliverance. People can inflict pain, suffering, and even death, but they cannot rob our future beyond this life. God controls both this life and the one to come. His care for us is personal, even when we wander away, have restless nights, and go through times of sorrow and trouble. Even our tears are significant, “Put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book?” We can be confident that God will deal with our enemies because God is for us, and His promises are sure. He keeps track of all of our journeys, even though we forget most of our own. He knows every problem we have and sees our every fear.
Often, in times of serious difficulties, we make vows as a debt of gratitude. It is important that we fulfill the vows of God that are on us. The psalmist said it so concisely when he said, “This I know; for God is for me!” What trust he had! How much we owe Him for our full salvation, being saved and kept daily, and able to walk in the light of the living before Him. We will praise God for His word; “in the Lord will I praise His word,” and walk before Him. Our thanksgiving to Him is owed like vows to be kept for His deliverance from fear of the enemy to absolute confidence in the presence of God. By keeping our vows (promises), we are able to easily give praise to Him who keeps us from falling.