BACKGROUND/COMMENTARY from Matthew Henry (blueletterbible.org): In this psalm, David "encourages himself in God, and in his promises, power, and providence, v. 3, 4. In the midst of his complaints, and before he has said what he has to say of his enemies, he triumphs in the divine protection.
1. He resolves to make God his confidence, then when dangers were most threatening and all other confidences failed: "What time I am afraid, in the day of my fear, when I am most terrified from without and most timorous within, then I will trust in thee, and thereby my fears shall be silenced.' Note, There are some times which are, in a special manner, times of fear with God's people; in these times it is their duty and interest to trust in God as their God, and to know whom they have trusted. This will fix the heart and keep it in peace.
2. He resolves to make God's promises the matter of his praises, and so we have reason to make them (v. 4): "In God I will praise, not only his work which he has done, but his word which he has spoken; I will give him thanks for a promise, though not yet performed. In God (in his strength and by his assistance) I will both glory in his word and give him the glory of it.' Some understand by his word his providences, every event that he orders and appoints: "When I speak well of God I will with him speak well of every thing that he does.'
3. Thus supported, he will bid defiance to all adverse powers: "When in God I have put my trust, I am safe, I am easy, and I will not fear what flesh can do unto me; it is but flesh, and cannot do much; nay, it can do nothing but by divine permission.' As we must not trust to an arm of flesh when it is engaged for us, so we must not be afraid of an arm of flesh when it is stretched out against us.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE: Psalm 56:3 was one of the first verses I learned as a child. It's easy to remember because it's only 10 words!! I do remember that it was such a comfort to me back then with all my childish fears. Now, as an adult, and having had many experiences where fear was the main component, this verse contains even more meaning because the GOD who has told me to trust in Him has proven to be trustworthy down through the years. Because that is the reality I have lived with all these years -- that God CAN be trusted to take my fears away and/or give me the strength to deal with and overcome those fears -- I have no reason to fear what mere man can do to me!
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