When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
What Can Flesh Do?
Canada is a multicultural nation and has a racially and ethnically diverse population. According to the 2021 Canadian census, the major origin groups in Canada are European at 52.5%, North American at 22.9%, Asian at 19.3%, North American Indigenous at 6.1%, African at 3.8%, Latin, Central and South American at 2.5%, Caribbean at 2.1%, Oceanian 0.3%, and Other at 6%. About 450 ethnic origins were reported in Canada’s 2021 Census. The Ethnic Origin most often reported in 2021 was Canadian at 15.6% or 5.7 million persons in Canada reported this origin.
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We look at our world and see the violence that is so prevalent. People just walking down a street, minding their own business, are mercilessly attacked, others driving their vehicle down the street are car-jacked. Human beings have the capacity to do great damage to others. King David knew this. In his younger years he had been attacked by his king, and eventually, his own family members turned against him. So how can he write this, in Psalm 56:3-4: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” We know that mere mortals could, and did, do much to harm David. That continues to this day. But David looked at things from the perspective of eternity and his relationship with God. While people may be able to cause him physical and emotional harm, knowing that his Creator loved him gave David the assurance that ultimately justice will prevail. It will for you as well, no matter what others do.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley