Author Craig Allen Cooper is no stranger to disillusionment, discouragement, and despair. Frequently rolled by the waves in his own life, Craig has dug deep for decades into the well of God’s tender mercy for comfort, encouragement, and strength. Out of the depths of his own personal devotions, comes the conviction that God wants His children to be more aware of His faithfulness than they are of their own faults, failures, and frailties. An encourager at heart, the heart of God beats hard through His words, and it’s a joy to welcome Craig to the farm’s table today…

Guest Post by Craig Allen Cooper

PSALM 56:3 

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.“

Years ago, I watched my nine-year-old son playing in the ocean during a family vacation.

When we first got there, Joshua didn’t worry at all about the waves. He just dove in headfirst and attacked the sea with full abandon. He wore a life jacket, not because it was comfortable or he thought is looked cool, but only because his parents made him. 

Then, it happened . . . my son got rolled by a monstrous wave.

This wasn’t an “over, under, or through” type of wave. It was an all-out sucker punch. He had no time to react. The wave just came upon him like an uppercut, and Joshua took it directly on the chin.

Driven harshly into the bank, he lost his breath, cut his lip on the sand, and tasted the saltwater’s sting. 

Unfamiliar emotions entered the boy’s soul.

He felt dazed and confused, not reactions he’d previously associated with the ocean. Fear. It took him two full days and a lot of encouragement before he ventured back into the water. 

On one of those days confined to the shore, we talked about what David said in Psalm 56: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid” (vv. 3–4).

These verses help me tremendously because I, too, struggle with fear. I told my son that my fear may look different from his, but the truth is that there are many times when I’m very afraid, and it helps me to know that King David struggled with fear too. 

“I’m beginning to see that fear as an invitation to go to God in my trembling and put my trust in Him. “

I often approach life a lot like Joshua was approaching the ocean. I dive in laughing . . . until I get smacked around. Then everything changes. Knocked over relationally, I’m less apt to dive back in. Disillusioned by hope deferred, I keep my dreams to myself. Sometimes, it’s easier just to say, “I’m not doing that again.” But then I think about all I’m missing and wonder if there’s another way of dealing with my fear than pulling back. 

I see another way in this psalm. I like how David admits his fear in this verse. And then he goes to God with it. 

I encouraged Joshua to talk to the Lord, to battle his fear through prayer. I grinned when my son got back into the ocean, this time with a healthy respect for the waves and a greater appreciation for the God who controls them… and Who helps us battle our fears. 

As I survey the landscape of my own life, I can relate.

The truth is, I’ve been knocked around a few times (job losses, failed ventures, ministry letdowns, relational challenges, loss of loved ones, traumatic events, personal injuries, and the list could go on and on).  Every time it happens, I’m less likely to dive in to the deep end and more tempted to fear.

But now, I’m beginning to see that fear as an invitation to go to God in my trembling and put my trust in Him.

Isn’t it good to know that we can be honest with the Lord about our fears, and because of His tender mercy, He will set our hearts and ease and give us courage and peace?

“Lord, when I’m afraid of all these things, I put my trust in You. Please help me. Strengthen me. Steady me, and deliver me from my fears, for Your glory.“

Our fears might look different than a nine-year old’s, but so often the effect is the same.

Have you ever been rolled over by the waves of this life and then struggled with the desire to get back into the “ocean” of similar situations?  

What joys might you be missing out on due to your fears? 

How might it change your life for the better to admit them to God and turn your trepidations over to Him in faith? 

If you, like me, struggle with fear, I would encourage you to take this prayer and put it into your own words,

“Father, thank You that I can be honest with You about all my fears and that instead of shaming me, You meet me with mercy and grace. So, here’s what I’m afraid of right now [tell Him your fears].

Lord, when I’m afraid of all these things, I put my trust in You. Please help me. Strengthen me. Steady me, and deliver me from my fears, for Your glory.

Give me courage to venture back into the sea of Your mercy.

In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.”

Wherever you are right now? Dive back in….

The ocean of God’s love is calling for you!

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{Our humble thanks to Moody Publishers for their partnership in today’s devotional.}