Psalm 56 Journal Starter

March 23rd, 2020
by Donielle Hart Goad

Hi friends! Thank you so much for joining us here.

We hope to provide you with some questions to spark reflection on the Psalms.

If you want to, you can share some of your thoughts in the comments section below. We would love to hear how God is working in your heart.

You can listen to Psalm 56 here. You can find Psalm 56 in the New International Version here.

Journal Starter for Psalm 56

David wrote this psalm after the Philistines captured him in Gath.

Write about a time when you were trapped or felt trapped by your enemies. Your enemy might have been a person, illness, a difficult situation, or a temptation. What was that like? What happened? How did you respond?

We see the words "all day long" three times in the beginning of this psalm. David's enemies would not leave him alone!

Have you ever felt like a person (maybe even a family member) was constantly trying to harm you? Have you ever felt like you were constantly fighting off a certain temptation or the discouragement of mental/physical suffering? Write to God about what that was like. Ask God to help you see where He was during this situation.

David said of his tears, "Are they not in your [God's] record?"

How does knowing that God sees your pain and tears change the way you view God when you are being attacked?

David wrote: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? [verses 4-5]

Write and/or pray about any fear you are experiencing right now. If you want to put your trust in God, tell Him that. Ask Him to help you let go of your fear and cling to Him. This can be a process, but the Spirit will help you!

If there is a person, illness, or situation you are afraid of, write down what he/it CAN do to you.
Next, write down what he/it CAN NOT do to you.
What does he/it NOT have power over?

What are the realities of your physical/relational/emotional safety? Are there any situations God might be asking you to leave or relationships He is asking to think differently about?

Where do your security and safety come from?

Do you believe you are spiritually safe? Why or why not?

What difference does it make that you can be spiritually safe in all circumstances?

At the end of this psalm, David remembers what God has done for him. He is under vows to God. God has "delivered [him] from death and [his] feet from stumbling, that [he] may walk before God in the light of life." David presents thank offerings to God!

Write about how God has delivered you and how God has made it possible for you to walk in the light of life. Write down what you are grateful for today!