Psalms 56:3

KJV

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

What time {H3117} I am afraid {H3372}{H8799)}, I will trust {H982}{H8799)} in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Berean Standard Bible

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

American Standard Version

What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 56:3 presents a profound declaration from King David, encapsulating a timeless principle for navigating life's inevitable anxieties: "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." This concise yet powerful statement does not deny the reality of fear but rather asserts a deliberate and proactive choice to place unwavering confidence in God, offering a foundational model for believers to confront their deepest apprehensions with steadfast faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 56 is categorized as a "Michtam of David," a term often associated with psalms of deep personal reflection, lament, and unwavering trust in God amidst severe distress. Positioned within the collection of Davidic psalms, it immediately follows Psalm 55, which also expresses deep anguish and betrayal. Psalm 56 itself opens with David's plea for mercy from his oppressors, detailing his enemies' relentless pursuit and his profound sense of vulnerability. Verse 3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee," serves as a pivotal declaration within the psalm, establishing the psalmist's resolute faith even before fully articulating his distress. This statement sets the tone, transforming a potential lament of despair into a testimony of trust, which is then elaborated upon throughout the subsequent verses that recount his suffering and express confidence in God's eventual deliverance and vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalm 56 explicitly states its historical setting: "When the Philistines took him in Gath." This refers to a critical period in David's life, detailed in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Flees to Gath"). After fleeing from King Saul, who relentlessly sought his life, David, in desperation, sought refuge in Gath, a major Philistine city and home of Goliath, the very giant he had slain. This was enemy territory, where David was recognized and immediately perceived as a threat. His life was in imminent danger, surrounded by those who had every reason to harm him. In this incredibly precarious and hostile environment, David feigned madness to escape, highlighting the extreme psychological and physical pressure he endured. The cultural context underscores the vulnerability of an individual without a secure refuge, emphasizing the profound significance of placing trust in a divine protector when all human avenues of safety are exhausted.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 56:3 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **acknowledgment of human fear without succumbing to it**. David doesn't pretend not to be afraid; rather, he uses the presence of fear as a trigger for an intentional act of faith. This demonstrates that faith is often a deliberate choice made in the face of natural human emotion, a principle echoed in [2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God as the singular and ultimate object of trust**. David's reliance is not on his own cunning, his circumstances, or any human ally, but "in thee"—squarely in God. This emphasizes God's unwavering reliability, omnipotence, and faithfulness, even when all human avenues seem closed or dangerous, as seen in the steadfast trust encouraged in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Finally, the phrase "I will trust" signifies **proactive, volitional faith**. It is a deliberate declaration, indicating an active decision to lean on God rather than succumbing to despair or panic, a recurring motif in the Psalms where the worshiper actively chooses to hope in God despite present distress, as exemplified in [Psalm 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yāre'_):** This word conveys a sense of dread, terror, or apprehension. In this context, it speaks to the natural human emotion of fear in the face of danger and overwhelming circumstances. However, _yāre'_ can also carry the nuance of reverential awe, suggesting that even in his terror, David's fear ultimately points him toward the One worthy of ultimate reverence and trust. It's not a sinful fear, but a natural, human response to a life-threatening situation.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bāṭaḥ_):** This term signifies a strong sense of confident reliance, security, and leaning upon. It implies putting one's full weight on something or someone, believing they will hold firm. It's far more than a hopeful wish; it denotes a settled conviction and a deliberate act of entrusting oneself entirely to another, particularly to God, with the expectation of safety and stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What time I am afraid":** This opening clause is a profound acknowledgment of human vulnerability. It does not deny or condemn the emotion of fear but rather presents it as a common, perhaps even inevitable, human experience. The phrase "What time" (or "Whenever") suggests that fear is a recurring condition, not a one-time event, indicating that David anticipates future moments of apprehension. This realism makes the subsequent declaration all the more powerful and relatable, as it speaks to the reality of emotional struggle even for a man of great faith.
* **"I will trust in thee":** This is the volitional, decisive response to the acknowledged fear. The "I will" signifies a deliberate act of the will, a conscious choice to pivot from the natural impulse of fear to an intentional posture of faith. The object of this trust is explicitly "thee"—God Himself. This emphasizes that David's confidence is not placed in his own strength, ingenuity, or external circumstances, but solely in the character, power, and faithfulness of the divine. It is a declaration of spiritual warfare, actively countering the debilitating effects of fear by anchoring the soul in God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 56:3 is a masterclass in concise yet profound expression, employing several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, where the human experience of "afraid" is directly juxtaposed with the divine solution of "trust in thee." This highlights the spiritual battle between natural human emotion and supernatural faith, demonstrating that faith is often exercised *in the face of* fear, not in its absence. The verse also utilizes **Personal Pronouns** ("I," "thee") to emphasize the intimate and direct relationship between the psalmist and God, making the declaration intensely personal and relatable. Furthermore, the use of **Volitional Language** ("I will trust") underscores the active and deliberate nature of faith. It is not a passive hope but a conscious decision, a declaration of intent that transforms the potential for despair into an affirmation of divine reliance. This deliberate choice serves as a powerful **Confession** or **Declaration of Faith**, setting a pattern for how believers ought to respond when assailed by apprehension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 56:3 serves as a foundational theological statement, articulating the biblical pattern for responding to fear and adversity. It teaches that while fear is a natural human emotion, it is not meant to be the final arbiter of our actions or state of mind. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst to redirect our focus and trust entirely upon God. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness, presenting Him as the ultimate refuge and source of security in a chaotic world. It reinforces the truth that true peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the steadfast presence of God and our confident reliance upon Him. This principle is woven throughout Scripture, inviting believers to consistently place their hope and security in the divine, regardless of the circumstances.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not, For I Am With You")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God Is Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 56:3 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities and uncertainties of contemporary life. In a world fraught with anxieties—whether personal health concerns, financial instability, relational brokenness, or global crises—this verse provides a timeless blueprint for spiritual resilience. It teaches us that authentic faith does not demand the suppression of our fears but rather their redirection. When fear arises, the call is not to deny it, but to acknowledge its presence and then, with intentionality, to pivot our gaze and our trust towards God. This proactive act of faith, a deliberate choice to lean into God's character and promises, empowers us to find peace that transcends understanding, even amidst the storm. It reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in our ability to control circumstances, but in God's unwavering control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when fear arises in my life, and what does Psalms 56:3 challenge me to do differently?**
* **What specific fears am I currently facing, and how can I intentionally redirect my trust to God in those areas, recalling His past faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage me to be proactive in my faith rather than passive or reactive to my circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Is it wrong for a believer to feel afraid?**

Answer: No, it is not wrong for a believer to feel afraid. Psalms 56:3 clearly demonstrates that even King David, a man after God's own heart and a paragon of faith, experienced fear ("What time I am afraid"). The Bible is replete with examples of faithful individuals who grappled with fear, from Abraham to the disciples in the storm. God understands and acknowledges our human emotions. The key is not the absence of fear, but what we *do* with our fear. David's response—to immediately declare his trust in God—provides the model. Our faith is often most powerfully demonstrated not in the absence of fear, but in choosing to trust God *in the midst* of it, knowing that He is our refuge and strength, as articulated in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God Is Our Refuge and Strength").

**How can I genuinely "trust" when my circumstances feel overwhelming and fear is paralyzing?**

Answer: Genuinely trusting God when circumstances are overwhelming is a spiritual discipline and a choice, often made in defiance of our immediate feelings. It begins by acknowledging the fear, as David did, rather than suppressing it. Then, intentionally recall God's character (His faithfulness, power, love, and sovereignty), His past actions in your life, and His promises found in His Word. Trust is built on knowledge and experience of God. It's a conscious decision to lean into Him, even when you don't *feel* like it. This can involve prayer, meditating on Scripture (like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not, For I Am With You")), confessing your trust aloud, and seeking support from your faith community. Trust is not a passive hope but an active reliance, putting your full weight on God, believing He will sustain you, even when the path ahead is unclear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 56:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied and demonstrated the principle of trusting God in the face of profound fear. While David wrestled with human enemies and personal danger, Jesus faced the ultimate fear of bearing the sin of the world and enduring separation from the Father on the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus, though deeply distressed and "troubled in spirit" ([John 12:27](/john/12-27 "John 12:27 - Jesus' Soul Is Troubled")), prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/lukes/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), perfectly demonstrating trust in the Father's will even unto death. He is the ultimate object of our trust, for through His sacrifice, He has conquered the greatest fears: sin, death, and judgment ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). When we are afraid, we can look to Him, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), knowing that He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and offers a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). In Christ, our trust is not merely an act of will, but an anchoring of our souls in the One who has already secured our eternal safety and promises His presence in every moment of fear.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 34:4

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

1 Samuel 30:6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

2 Corinthians 7:5

¶ For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.

2 Corinthians 7:6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

Psalms 55:4

My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

Psalms 55:5

Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

2 Chronicles 20:3

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.