When I am afraid

A teaching for children · Psalms 56:3–4

Context

The title of this psalm tells us David wrote it when the Philistines seized him in the city of Gath. David was running from King Saul, far from home, alone among enemies. This was the same David who had faced Goliath, and now he was very afraid. Instead of hiding it, he turned his fear into prayer, and the prayer became a song sung by the whole people.

What the Bible teaches

Notice how David begins: “When I am afraid.” He doesn’t say if; he says when. Even brave people feel fear. Fear of the dark, of storms, of tests, of being alone, of losing someone. Feeling afraid isn’t a sin or a lack of faith. The Bible doesn’t tell us to pretend we’re not scared. Adults feel afraid too; they just hide it sometimes. David wrote his fear into a song so no one would need to be ashamed of telling God how they feel.

David shows what to do with fear: put your trust in God. Imagine crossing a swaying bridge. You still have butterflies in your stomach, but you hold tight to the hand of the one who takes care of you. That’s what trust is: holding the hand of someone stronger while the fear is still there.

In the next verse, David repeats the idea and changes the ending: “I will not be afraid.” As he talked with God, his trust grew and his fear shrank. Sometimes fear goes away quickly; sometimes it takes a while. That’s why it’s good to memorize these words and say them out loud when your heart starts racing.

In practice

Write verse 3 on a piece of paper and stick it near the child’s bed. This week, whenever someone feels afraid, the family says the verse together and prays a short prayer.

To talk about

What are you afraid of today? And the adult shares too: what was I afraid of as a child, and how did God help me?

Prayer

Lord, sometimes I feel afraid and my heart feels tight. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Hold my hand, stay close to me and give me peace to sleep. Amen.

See also: David.

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