It is clear from the beginning of this psalm that David was experiencing pressure from without. He cries out to the Lord for mercy, “Be merciful to me, O God” (Ps. 56:1). His difficulties brought him to a place where he was willing to trust the Lord. Like David, we often come to a fork in the road where we will either trust the Lord or keep trying to deal with our difficulties on our own. David had had enough of this; it only caused more fear. Three times in this chapter he mentions his fear (vv. 3, 4, 11). But three times David mentions his willingness to trust his God in those verses.

David had experienced real pain deep within. He had been hurt by those who he felt hounded him and fought against him (vv. 1–2). But instead of letting his difficulties consume him, David turns to the God Most High (v. 2). He calls out to the One who is above all others. He felt the opposition from those who twisted his words and plotted against him (vv. 5–7). The turmoil in his life was so severe, and the pain so deep, it brought David to tears (v. 8). But throughout his experience David knew that his God was watching over him. In other words, the Lord took notice of every tear that dropped from David’s eye! His tears would fill God’s bottle.

David could say, “This I know, because God is for me” (v. 9). This reminds us of Paul’s words in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” David broke out in praise three times in this psalm, declaring, “I will praise His word” (vv. 4, 10). No matter what you might be facing, He is able to turn your tears into joy if, like David, you turn it over to Him. Let the Lord demonstrate His power and love to you, and know that He is able!