What can mere man do to me?

Psalm 56, BE gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; fighting all day long he oppresses me. My foes have trampled upon me all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? All day long they distort my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They attack, they lurk, they watch my steps, as they have waited to take my life. Because of wickedness, cast them forth, In anger put down the peoples, O God! Thou hast taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; this I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Thy vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to Thee. For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

David had many opportunities to be afraid; he knew clearly that he could put his trust in God. No matter what happens, when wickedness seems to be gaining ground and “all their thoughts are against me,” we who trust in the Lord are secure. Perfect love drives out fear! We can join with David in proclaiming: “What can mere man do to me?”

We put all of our trust in You; You are the One who holds the future including all of eternity in Your hands!