Psalms 38:21

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Psalms 38:21 KJV

Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

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Psalms 38:21 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 38:21

Verse Text: "Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me."

Introductory Remarks

This poignant verse from Psalm 38 captures the heart of a believer in the throes of distress. This Psalm is often characterized by a deep appeal to God amidst physical and spiritual suffering. With insights gathered from notable public domain commentaries, this exploration aims to delve into the richness of this verse and its implications for faith, prayer, and divine companionship.

Contextual Background

Psalms are a collection of religious songs, prayers, and poems, often expressing the full range of human emotion towards God. Psalm 38 is traditionally ascribed to David and reflects a time of great personal anguish and illness. This Psalm echoes themes of contrition and the longing for God’s presence in difficult times.

Context of Despair

David, grappling with guilt and suffering, issues a fervent plea to God for nearness. Matthew Henry emphasizes the weight of sin that knits together the choir of lament in this Psalm, as it reveals the correlation between spiritual estrangement and physical affliction.

Liturgical Significance

In the liturgical practice, Psalms such as this serve as communal and personal prayers, inviting believers to voice their struggles and yearnings for divine connection. Albert Barnes elucidates that such expressions encourage believers to find solace in articulating their struggles before God.

The Plea for Divine Presence

“Forsake me not, O Lord” reflects the desperate cry of a soul that feels abandoned. This particular construction is both imperative and heartfelt, demonstrating a profound understanding of human frailty in the face of divine majesty. Adam Clarke notes that this cry encapsulates not just a request, but an acknowledgment of God’s sovereign power to uphold or forsake.

The Nature of God's Presence

In exploring the implications of feeling forsaken, one must consider God’s nature as always-present, yet at times not perceived as such by His people. Henry observes that the believer, in moments of sin and distress, may feel distanced from God, thus the anguish in the plea for presence is most profound.

Divine Assurance

While the Psalmist fears abandonment, it is crucial to remember the assurance of God's promise in other scripture passages that He never leaves nor forsakes His people (cf. Hebrews 13:5). This duality of fear and assurance reveals the complex relationship believers have with God during trials.

The Theological Implications of Abandonment

David's plea raises theological questions regarding the nature of God’s presence in suffering. Is God distant in times of trouble, or does He withdraw our awareness of His presence due to our sins? Barnes stresses that this verse reflects the condition of the believer's heart, not an actual distance from God.

Understanding Sin and Distance

The feelings of abandonment may arise from a believer’s unconfessed sins or feelings of guilt. Clarke suggests that recognizing one's errors often leads to a deeper longing for divine intimacy, further enhancing the plea for God’s sustained closeness.

Prayer as an Expression of Need

The supplication “O my God, be not far from me” reveals a heart that is not only distressed but one that knows to seek the face of God through prayer. This is a vital lesson for theologians and students alike—the importance of maintaining communication with the Divine despite feelings of despair.

The Role of Prayer in Suffering

Henry posits that prayer is both a means of access to God and a demonstration of faith. The act of crying out to God in times of trouble is itself an affirmation of His ability to intervene—a critical lesson for believers to remember amid trials.

Practical Applications for Believers

As we contemplate this verse, several practical applications emerge for pastors, students, and scholars:

  • Encouragement in Trials: Remind congregations that moments of despair are not indicative of God’s absence but rather a call to deeper reliance on Him.
  • Fostering Intimacy with God: Emphasize the importance of ongoing prayer life as a means of cultivating a harmonious relationship with God, even in sin.
  • Understanding the Psychological Aspects of Faith: Address how feelings of abandonment can be part of the believer’s journey but do not reflect the truth of God’s faithfulness.

Conclusion

Psalms 38:21 encapsulates an urgent plea from the heart of a believer wrestling with guilt and the perceived distance from God. Through insights from historical commentaries, we see the profound truths that emerge about God’s eternal presence, the importance of prayer, and the believer's journey through suffering. The cry for nearness is both a lament and a profound declaration of faith—a reminder for all followers of Christ to seek God earnestly, knowing He is ever faithful.

Psalms 38 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 38:1 Psalms 38:2 Psalms 38:3 Psalms 38:4 Psalms 38:5 Psalms 38:6 Psalms 38:7 Psalms 38:8 Psalms 38:9 Psalms 38:10 Psalms 38:11 Psalms 38:12 Psalms 38:13 Psalms 38:14 Psalms 38:15 Psalms 38:16 Psalms 38:17 Psalms 38:18 Psalms 38:19 Psalms 38:20 Psalms 38:21 Psalms 38:22

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