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    Psalms 56 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 56 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 56

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 56:3

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

    Popular Verses in Psalms 56

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Psalm 56:3 KJV

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    Psalms 56 Summary

    Psalm 56 was written when the Philistines seized David in Gath. Despite intense fear, David repeatedly declares his trust in God and His word.

    The psalm contains the beautiful image of God collecting our tears in a bottle, showing that our suffering does not go unnoticed. David concludes by vowing to walk before God in the land of the living.

    Key Themes

    Fear and trustGod records our tearsPower of God's wordWalking in God's light

    Key Verses in Psalms 56

    "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

    — Psalms 56:3

    A simple but profound model for dealing with fear through faith.

    "Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?"

    — Psalms 56:8

    Reveals that God intimately notices and values every tear we shed.

    Life Application

    Fear is not the opposite of faith. The key is what you do with your fear—bring it to God and choose to trust His word.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does it mean that God keeps our tears in a bottle?

    It's a metaphor for God's intimate awareness of our suffering. Nothing we endure escapes His notice or concern.

    Psalm 56 Commentary & Reflection

    Trust
    Afraid yet trusting

    Best read for: Fear, persecution, trusting God

    Overview of Psalm 56: In God I Trust, I Will Not Fear

    Written when the Philistines seized David in Gath, Psalm 56 is a declaration of trust amid genuine fear. David acknowledges his fear honestly but chooses to trust God over fear. He notes that God keeps track of his tears, putting them in a bottle. The repeated refrain — 'In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me' — makes this psalm an anthem of faith.

    Key Themes

    Trust Over Fear
    God's Care
    Tears
    Praise

    Key Verses to Remember

    “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”
    — Psalm 56:3 (KJV)
    “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?”
    — Psalm 56:8 (KJV)

    Reflection

    Faith doesn't eliminate fear — it chooses trust despite fear. God doesn't just note your tears; He bottles them. Every tear matters to Him. What fear do you need to hand over to God today?

    Historical Context

    Written when the Philistines captured David in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The beautiful phrase 'put my tears in Your bottle' reflects the ancient practice of collecting tears in small vessels as evidence of grief.

    How to Apply Psalm 56 Today

    God keeps track of every tear you shed. None are wasted or forgotten. When grief feels invisible to others, remember that heaven maintains a record of your pain—and will one day wipe every tear away.

    A Prayer from Psalm 56

    When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? In God I will praise His Word. Amen.

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