Discouraged

Psalm 56 shows David’s trust in God despite discouragement. When you feel overwhelmed, remember—God sees, cares, and remains faithful.

“Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up […] All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They gather together, they hide, they mark my steps.”—Psalm 56:1–6 NKJV

David seemed to have done everything right. He was a victorious warrior, married to the king’s daughter, best friend to the king’s son, and popular with the people. Yet he found himself running for his life, hunted by King Saul.

As he struggled, David wrote Psalm 56. He told God his true feelings of how he felt alone, discouraged, and outnumbered. He complained that people were trampling and crushing him in order to get ahead, twisting his words, oppressing him, and pressuring him for their own advantage. He felt vulnerable and under attack.

But through it all, David could depend on God: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (v. 3). God was on his side. He could write, “I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (v. 4)

David was under no delusion that he was perfect. He admitted that God knew his wanderings, yet the Lord still loved and accepted him. And even though David was suffering emotionally, he realized God understood the pain he was going through. He wrote, “Put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?” (v. 8). God cared and was faithful.

Do you ever feel like David? Like people are twisting your words or seeking to take advantage of you? Do you feel trampled and outnumbered, vulnerable and pressured? Remember that God is with you. Call on Him  and trust Him.

Reflection Question: How can you trust God when facing discouragement?