Last week my subject involved spiritual warfare to remind us how we as Christians in this world are in enemy territory. “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) The New Testament calls us to vigilance as we seek to fight the good fight of faith and stand against the schemes of the devil.

I pointed out how we need to remember that in this world trouble is inevitable. The trials of our faith are unpredictable and though they may tarry long, God’s grace is sufficient. And every trying circumstance provides an opportunity to grow spiritually and glorify God through perseverance.

Let us recall that Job endured the most stringent attacks of Satan and emerged victorious. Luther said it well: “And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.” Whatever our great adversary hurls against us we need not despair, for he cannot touch the Lord’s elect without our heavenly Father’s sovereign permission.

In Psalm 56, David was captured by the Philistines and in dire straits. He was able to escape by feigning madness and fled to a cave (see 1 Samuel 21). Perhaps it was in that cave the words of this Psalm came to him and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we have them today to strengthen our own faith. Three blessed realities he shares with us through this Psalm:

1. God is merciful.

Even though our trials may be great, the Lord will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability but will provide a way of escape that we may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). He is a loving Father who “knows our frame and remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14) When you find yourself under attack, run to him. Come boldly before the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Charles Spurgeon suffered greatly from gout. In one of its flare ups, his suffering was so great he felt he could not endure it. He later shared the experience with his church saying:

I was racked with pain to a degree so that I could no longer bear it without crying out. I asked all to go from the room and leave me alone; and I had nothing I could say to God but this: Thou art my Father, and I am thy child; and Thou, as a Father art tender and full of mercy. I could not bear to see my child suffer as thou make me suffer, and if I saw him tormented as I am now, I would do what I could to help him. Will you hide thy face from me, my Father? Will you still lay on me Thy heavy hand and not give me a smile from your countenance?

Soon the pain left and never returned. He went on to say, “faith mastered it by laying hold upon God in His own revealed character.” Let us follow his example and when in those dark places cry out as a child to the Father of mercies.

2. God is mindful.

We must never think the Lord has forgotten us. According to David, the Lord keeps count of our sufferings (verse 8). He knows, and he cares. If he allows us to experience trouble, it is never arbitrary or purposeless. Jesus said that not a sparrow falls outside our Father’s care and that the hairs on our head are all numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). Remembering that he knows and that he “works all things together for our good” (Romans 8:28) strengthens our faith and enables us to persevere in hope.

We must never think the Lord has forgotten us.

3. God is mighty.

David also learned that even when the situation looks hopeless God is able to deliver (verse 13). He understood it wasn’t his great acting ability that saved him on that day in Gath. Throughout the Psalter, David celebrates God’s power and protection. This doesn’t mean we will always be delivered from trials but that we will be delivered in the midst of them. Shadrach, Meshach and Abenego did not escape from the fiery furnace but were delivered in it.

Finally, we must remember that our Lord Jesus suffered in the will of God for us. He willingly submitted to the Father’s plan and for the joy set before endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). We are called to follow in his steps (1 Peter 1:21), not reacting but obeying, not resisting but submitting, and not complaining but rejoicing so that God, in all things, may be glorified.