Sermon Title: When I am Afraid
Scripture Text: Psalm 56
1. Key Scriptures
• Psalm 56:1–13
• 1 Samuel 21:10–15
• Genesis 17:1
• Romans 8:31
• John 11:35; Luke 22:44
• Revelation 21:4
2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways
I. The Cry for Mercy in the Day of Fear (vv. 1–2)
David begins not with strength, but with desperate need for mercy amid constant threat and relational isolation.
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Faith begins when self-reliance ends.
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Fear is not weakness; it’s an invitation to cry for mercy.
II. The Fight of Faith Amid Real Fear (vv. 3–4)
David models faith not as fearlessness, but as trust that clings to God’s Word despite fear.
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Faith is not the absence of fear, but a resolve to trust in the midst of it.
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“What can flesh do to me?” reframes fear with eternal perspective.
III. The Poison of the Enemy and the Prayer of the Righteous (vv. 5–9)
David endures misrepresentation and surveillance, but turns to a God who counts every tear and hears every prayer.
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God does not forget your pain; He bottles your tears.
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The deepest safety isn’t found in self-advocacy but in the assurance: “God is for me.”
IV. The Vows of Gratitude and the Vision of Light (vv. 10–13)
David commits to worship, not just because he was rescued, but because he now walks in the light of life.
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Deliverance is not just from danger, but toward devotion.
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Gratitude is a direction, walking before God with renewed hope.
3. Primary Sources (cited)
• The ESV Study Bible notes on Psalm 56
• C. H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David
• John Calvin, Commentary on the Psalms
• Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary
• Michael Wilcock, The Message of Psalms 1–72 (BST)
• Alec Motyer, Look to the Rock and other works
• Tremper Longman III, How to Read the Psalms
• Christopher Ash, Teaching Psalms: Volume 1
• Gerald H. Wilson, NIV Application Commentary on Psalms