What Can Mere Mortals Do to Me?
By Emily McConnaughy
“What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalms 56:4). While written in question form, this statement embodies a faith-based resilience. It acknowledges the limitations and frailty of human beings in comparison to the omnipotence of God. In the face of an Almighty and Unlimited God, we are ultimately subject to the same weaknesses, imperfections, and mortality as any other human being. In times of trouble, this rhetorical question serves as a reminder that our refuge lies not in mankind, but rather in the strength and sovereignty of our Creator.
Attributed to King David, it is believed Psalm 56 was written in response to David’s experience with the Philistines in Gath (possibly referring to 1 Samuel 21:11), likely during the period of time when he was fleeing from Saul. David's words echo the sentiment of one who finds himself in the clutches of fear, on the brink of death, yet chooses to place his trust in God.
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4).
Here we see a man who is running for his life, lamenting over his enemies who “trample” and “attack” him on every side (v.2). His conversation with the Father is a cry for help, a plea, and release of emotions. David even acknowledges that God has kept count of his miseries and has put his tears in a bottle (v.8). This portrays an image of a defeated man, one who is at his wits’ end. However, this psalm intertwines this expression of fear and distress with David’s unwavering faith in God's ability to rescue him from his enemies. In fact, David repeats this rhetorical question later in the chapter - “what can mankind do to me?” (v.11) - emphasizing his steadfast belief in the Almighty God to conquer his enemies.
So, what does this tell us? When we truly put our faith in God, we affirm that His presence and support are greater than any threats or opposition of mere man. While our lives may not face the same level of danger as David’s did, in today’s world, it is undeniable that humans can cause us physical and emotional harm. Physically, our bodies may be bruised and beaten, our possessions stolen, or our lives taken. Emotionally, we can experience unjust judgment, rejection, abuse, or backlash for standing up for what is right. In the face of this reality, not being afraid is easier said than done. So how do we practically achieve this?
Reflecting on Matthew 6:19-21 offers us some insight as it compares earthly treasure to the incomparable glory and immense worth of what is to come in God's kingdom. By lowering the value we place on earthly things, we can shift our perspective. We may fear the loss of money, property, or cherished possessions, but we are called to set our mind on the things above and prioritize heavenly treasure over earthly ones (Colossians 3:2). When the world threatens us- whether by threatening our finances, physical well-being, or reputation- we can preemptively strike our enemies by valuing what God values most. By focusing on spiritual riches and remembering that what man can do is ultimately insignificant compared to what our great God can do (Matthew 10:28), we can neutralize the threats posed by others. If we lower the value we place on earthly wealth, physical safety, and social status, we can genuinely ask, what can mere mortals do to me? Then the answer becomes clear- nothing.
While our hearts can easily be overtaken by worry and anxieties about this life and by what man may do to us, we have a God who has the power to defeat the enemy and deliver us. Whatever specific fear may be gripping us, whether it's the fear of loss, rejection, or physical harm, God's word consistently reassures us not to submit to fear (Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 14:27). He is our refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2), our stronghold (Psalm 27:1), our light and salvation, (Psalm 27:1), and our helper (Hebrews 13:6).
Do we genuinely embrace this truth like David did? Psalm 56 acts as a reminder that God welcomes and encourages us to bring Him our anxieties (Philippians 4:6) and supplications (1 John 5:14-15; Mark 11:24) through the avenue of prayer. When we surrender our fears to God, recognize his sovereignty, and prioritize our value on spiritual things over physical things, we diminish the power that mere mortals have over us. We can begin to acknowledge, as David did, that our ultimate security and well-being rest not in the hands of fallible human beings but in the unwavering love and power of God.
I pray that David’s rhetorical question will resonate with you today, instilling confidence in our Almighty Father and fearlessness in the face of any challenge that may come your way. For as Paul boldly states in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?"