Psalm 56
New International Version
Chapter overview
Psalm 56 speaks from capture among hostile Philistines, where enemies watch and twist words. Fear is acknowledged rather than denied, tears are remembered, and trust grows into confidence that human threats cannot finally prevail.
FearTrustTearsDeliverance
1Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.
2My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.
3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
5All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.
6They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
7Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— are they not in your record?
9Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
10In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—
11in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
12I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
13For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Verses to memorize from Psalm 56
- Psalm 56:3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
- Psalm 56:8Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— are they not in your…
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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Text unchanged, provided through API.Bible.