Are You Mad at God? Psalm 56:3-4: Whenever I Am Afraid

by Teresa^(1,655) Bronze Star

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4

What is faith if not tested? Is it real – does it have depth?

There are many people who are mad at God because things didn’t turn out the way they had hoped – this is understandable coming from a non-believer. What I find difficult to understand is that there are many whom at one point professed a deep faith in God, who are now far away from him. What happened?

Over the years, I have learned that it boils down to one thing: disappointment – this usually leads to anger. God failed as far as they are concerned, failed how? Is it that they had unbiblical expectations of what it meant to follow Jesus?

Sadly, it may be that many have bought the lie that some preachers sell – that is, as a child of God you have a right to good health and monetary prosperity.

Where in the Bible does it say this? Yes, as Christians, we have favor and special access to God through Jesus, but nowhere does it say we have “rights”. God does not become our big daddy in the sky that caves to our demand. Jesus promised us tribulation, this world is fallen and we are subject to its decay. Granted, Jesus also promised healing – but never did he specify that this healing is always physical – these are gifts according to His will. However, it always applies to spiritual healing and freedom.

While reading my Bible, I was touched by these two little verses (3 & 4) – little, yet powerful.

Last week I went in for my long overdue mammogram. Two days later, I received a call from the nurse. She told me I needed to return to the office for additional images and an ultrasound.

Cancer runs in my family. I have already had a small bout of contained cervical cancer. Still, the possibility of having breast cancer hit much closer to home. It was difficult not to let my mind wander to the “what if’s”. I cried some as the fear began to creep through my body, and then the words of Job came flooding to my mind, “Though my flesh be destroyed, yet with my eyes, I shall see God”. Shortly after that, I heard the words of the Psalmist, “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning”.

Immediately, the peace of God came over me, though challenged by the words, “Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You,… what can flesh do to me”. Would having cancer destroy the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus? Would it rob me of my joy? Would it make me less a Christian? NO. NO. NO!

I surrendered this fear to Jesus, and began to make a list of all the positive things that could come from having cancer – purposely avoiding all the negatives. Not once did I say why God? But instead said, Okay Lord, you know I don’t want cancer, but if you allow it, I know you have a good reason. I belong to you, use this for your glory.

Yesterday I went in for these tests apprehensive and fighting tears for sure, but never angry or overcome by fear. My husband and I talked about how being a Christian doesn’t guarantee an escape from real life, but instead it gives us access to our heavenly Father who will give us the courage to face whatever comes our way.

What is faith, if not tested?

I am not going to lie, I was relieved and thankful when the doctor said she saw nothing but a shadow. No evidence of a lump of any kind, but because of my family’s history I want to be wise and follow through with regular exams.

Looking at it today, I realized that it's not because I am a “Strong Christian” or “Holier than thou”, that I did not get angry or lose faith. It's because the word of God is hidden in my heart, and this is what makes my faith - your faith strong.

It is not God who fails, it is us. We fail to hide God’s word in our heart; we fail to fellowship with Him. We fail to learn of His sovereignty.

We rather claim to believe in God and leave it at that, no real deep and abiding love for Him and His will.

If this is you today, if you are angry with God, I encourage you to repent. Humble yourself before Him, read His word, grow in understanding and the next time life throws something your way, you will be ready.

Accept the challenge I was faced with this past week – say to yourself:

“Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You – What can flesh do to me.”

It may be that God will miraculously heal, but it could very well be that the miraculous will take place despite an illness.

Go in Grace – Grow in Jesus. It works.

Article submitted Sunday, April 18, 2010 & read 675 times.

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» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹⁹⁹⁾ (1 year 294 days ago.)

You, my dear, are a YIELDED Christian and that is the only position to be in - arms raised in worship, arms raised in surrender, arms raised to a loving Father to pick you up! He did and I am SO rejoicing with you!
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» left by Dan Sutton from Eugene, Oregon (1 year 294 days ago.)

Hi Teresa, You are right on target with your understanding of what God is trying to do for us and in us. Even though I did hear those fearful words 3 years ago, "you have cancer", I too trusted God and in his sovereign will to do something wonderful in my life. I have stretched and grown so much more WITH my cancer than I ever would have WITHOUT it! God has strengthened me, healed me spiritually, and continues to open up many new opportunities to bless others who are hurting as well, despite an illness. That is true healing! I'm glad to hear your good news. Keep up the good work of encouragement. You did so for me today!
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» left by Teresa (1 year 292 days ago.)

Hi Dan,

It is so good to hear from you - miss you man!

Thank you for your input and sharing a bit of your experience with this same thing. Lord bless you always as you walk in Him. Hugs to Nancy - you guys are in my prayers! love ya! Teresa

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» left by Linda DeWitt (1 year 292 days ago.)

It was so good to hear the outcome of your test Teresa. Praise God.
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» left by Teresa (1 year 288 days ago.)

Hi Linda, thanks for stopping by.

Thank you and yes, I praise God for the clear report and I would like to believe that I would still say, Praise God! Had the report come out differently.

Many blessings to you!

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» left by HyunSoung Kim (1 year 290 days ago.)

I am very sorry, i have only read the quote in the beggining and i will only comment on that ^^.

I think it is not enough to put trust in god when we are afraid, we shall free ourselves from the well of our fears. How? By accepting the fact that we are not alone in the world, but there are all people who died living as spirits, as a emotions and they are the ones making us suffer. How do we make them stop? It is logical, by asking for forgiveness.

I am not denying the Bible or something, i really want just to help. Even if you don't trust my words, please try.

(I know I really wrote short) If you want any more information about the above comment i wrote please ask by emailing (kim_h_soung at hotmail dot com) Or just reply, i think that is better so that more people can see. :)

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» left by Teresa (1 year 288 days ago.)

Hello HyungSoung,

Thank you for reading. I am sorry, but I am a little confused. I am not sure what you mean.

Are you saying that spirits of dead people are all around us and we have power to make them stop by asking forgiveness? Forgiveness from whom?

The point in my lesson here is that we should not allow our faith to faulter just because things come up in life that scare us. I fully believe the Bible and its word, and I do not believe the things that cause me fear are the spirits of dead people. God's word is clear that there are demonic spirits, but the spirit of man goes one of two places upon death. They are not free to haunt the living.

Thanks againb, for your comments, I can see you are sincere. Maybe you can explain your meaning.

Also, if you read this entire message, you might see the total intent of my message. Sometimes its hard to get that when you only read the opening line.

Blessings to you,

Teresa

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» left by Ken McCreless from Event Horizon (1 year 182 days ago.)

I am praising God for you and your willingness to use your gift.
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» left by Anonymous (1 year 182 days ago.)

I am praising God with you - keep growing bro! I am looking forward to hearing how God is growing you up :-)

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