There was a time when I was flying from an airport that was near a large mountain range. This was in the Winter and a major storm was on it’s way in.

While we were waiting for our boarding time, we observed many enormous passenger jets arriving and departing. Even without much aviation knowledge, we could easily discern that these jets were having a very difficult time flying. Most of the incoming planes were landing sideways and straightening out just as they touched down.

 Needless to say, after we boarded our plane for an 11 hour flight, I was concerned. Once we took off, my concern turned into fear. The plane rocked, reeled, jolted, and dropped several times during our ascent. The overhead compartments were swinging back and forth. I experienced true fear over a situation I had absolutely no control over.

 Does that mean that since there was fear in my heart that weakness was shown in my faith?

 Once more, our verse: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

 Listen to what David is saying when he wrote this. “When I am afraid.” Fear is real, and it’s presence does not replace faith. It’s what you do during times when you actually should be fearful that measures your faith.

There were other times in my youth when I should have been afraid and wasn’t. That’s not a show of faithful strength, but of foolishness.

 Vernon McGee once said, “Fear will bring out faith in your life.”

 That’s what I read when I see David’s words in Psalm 56:3. When I am afraid, I will consciously, intentionally, and wholeheartedly place my trust in God.

Gene Whitehead is a Cross-cultural ministry and writer and blogger at genewhitehead.com from Northern Europe. When he has free time, he’s often roasting my own coffee.