Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 56

1-7: Prayer While Under Attack

• 1-2: Appeal for rescue
• 3-4: Trust in God amidst fear
• 5-7: Praying for justice

8-13: Outpouring of a Miserable Heart

• 8-9: Appeal for deliverance
• 10-11: Trust in God amidst fear
• 12-13: Thanksgiving for deliverance

Another psalm of David written while he was under attack from enemies, this one reveals David’s consistent trust in God amidst his plea for help. 

He describes, not only his troubles and miseries, but also his trust in God’s enduring Word when his fears arise, resulting in his confidence that man cannot harm him.

The psalm is divided into two sections with three subsections each – in each section he describes his pain, his trust in God, and then offers a prayer on the strength of his faith. 

The first section ends with a prayer for justice while the second ends with a prayer of thanksgiving. Confident trust in God always results in thanksgiving at the end!