Bible Study Notes 7/8/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Summer, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song Book

Lesson 16

8 July 2025

Lesson 16, Psalm 56:1-13, NLT:  Danger and trouble have a way of tethering us to God. In moments when we feel we’re under attack by life’s challenges; we who truly trust God will gravitate closer to Him. We may not face enemies in the manner David did, but there are many situations in life that are menacing to our spiritual progress. Psalm 56 often is attributed to David, when he was surrounded by his enemies in the Philistine camp in Gath. This was an enclave where the enemies of Israel retreated after battles. Amazingly, but perhaps more providentially, David was directed to that place as he fled King Saul. We never know where or how God will send us, when His plans are to provide us with ultimate escape from our adversaries.   God also can eradicate our fears, even when we’re in a hostile environment. We can here David’s fears and anger as he pleads with God to take care of his enemies.  David’s candid plea is then followed by his trust and confidence in God to “help” him with his dilemma. The result of God’s intervention coupled with David’s confidence in the Lord, led him to reaffirm his unwavering devotion to God.  

 Verses & Explanations for Psalm 56:1-13, NLT

Observe     Interpret     Apply

(Verses 1-2) – Seeking God when in danger.

(Verses 3-4) – Trusting God despite fears.

(Verses 5-7) – Pleading to God when overwhelmed.

(Verses 8-9) – God is aware of our suffering.

(Verses 10-11) – Confidence in and praise to God.

(Verses 12-13) – Fulfilling our vows and thanks to God.

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!

1. "Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!”  - Psalm 119:105

Key Verses:

Psalm 56:1-2, NLT ¹ “O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. ² I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. 

Psalm 56:3-4, NLT

³ But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  ⁴ I praise God for what He has promised.  I trust God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:5-7, NLT

⁵ They are always twisting what I say, they spend their days plotting to harm me. ⁶ They come together to spy on me – watching my every step, eager to kill me. ⁷ Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.

Psalm 56:8-9, NLT

⁸ You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.  ⁹ My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!

Psalm 56:10-11, NLT

¹⁰ I praise God for what He has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what He has promised. ¹¹ I trust God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

Psalm 56:12-13, NLT

¹² I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice  of thanks for your help. ¹³ For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now  I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.”

Further Helpful Verses:

Hebrews 13:6, NLT

⁶ “So, we can say with confidence.

‘The Lord is my helper,

so I will have no fear.

What can mere people

 do to me?’”

Romans 5:3-5, NKJV

³ “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing tribulation produces perseverance, ⁴ and perseverance character, and character hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”