2. Describe David’s situation while he was in Gath.

² David experienced fear. For instance, when King Saul was trying to hunt him down, David decided to flee to the Philistine city of Gath. The king of Gath, Achish, soon learned that David was the mighty warrior who was celebrated in song as having struck down “tens of thousands” of Philistines. David “became very much afraid.” (1 Sam. 21:10-12) He worried about what Achish would do to him. How did David conquer his fears?

3. According to Psalm 56:1-3, 11, how did David conquer his fears?

³ In Psalm 56, David expresses his feelings while he was in Gath. That psalm lays bare David’s fears, but it also reveals how he conquered those fears. When he felt afraid, David trusted in Jehovah. (Read Psalm 56:1-3, 11.) His trust was not misplaced. With Jehovah’s blessing, David devised an unusual but effective strategy: He pretended to be crazy! Achish now viewed David more as an irritant than a threat, so David was able to escape.​—1 Sam. 21:13–22:1.

WHAT IS JEHOVAH DOING NOW?

8. Of what was David convinced? (Psalm 56:8)

⁸ Though David was in mortal danger when he was in Gath, he refused to give in to his fears. Instead, he chose to consider what Jehovah was doing for him at that time. David could sense that Jehovah was guiding and protecting him and that He understood his feelings. (Read Psalm 56:8.) David also had friends, such as Jonathan and High Priest Ahimelech, who gave him loyal support and practical help. (1 Sam. 20:41, 42; 21:6, 8, 9) And despite being a target of King Saul, David escaped with his life. He was convinced that Jehovah was keenly aware of his trial and of how that trial was affecting him emotionally.

9. What does Jehovah observe about each one of us?

⁹ When you face a trial that makes you afraid, remember that Jehovah takes note of the trial and of how that trial makes you feel. For example, Jehovah noticed not only the mistreatment of the Israelites in Egypt but also “the pains they [suffered].” (Ex. 3:7) David sang that Jehovah saw both his “affliction” and his “deep distress.” (Ps. 31:7) And when God’s people suffered​—even as a result of their own foolish decisions—​“it was distressing to him.” (Isa. 63:9) When you are afraid, Jehovah understands how you feel and he is eager to help you conquer your fears.