God is near and ready to comfort those who call upon Him.
The psalmist David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, cries out in desperation, “Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me!” (v.21). Although this verse is brief, the plea is deeply personal and resonates with anyone who has experienced loneliness or felt abandoned. David’s words convey both a profound acknowledgement of God’s presence and an urgent request that the Lord remain close, especially in moments of distress. As a writer of many psalms, David often poured out his fears and insecurities before God, modeling a transparent relationship with the Creator that finds an echo in the New Testament teaching to “draw near to God” (James 4:8), trusting He will not forsake His people.
In the context of Psalm 38, David is wrestling with the weight of personal sin and its consequences, a burden that can leave anyone feeling isolated and in dire need of divine intervention. By saying, “O my God, do not be far from me!” (v.21), David recognizes which source of comfort and healing he needs to turn to. His plea highlights God’s loving nature, as well as the hope that comes from God’s forgiveness and restoration. This concept is ultimately fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus, who offers restoration to all who come to Him in repentance (Matthew 11:28).
Through these words, “Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me!” (v.21), David displays a faith that is both honest and desperate, showing that hope is anchored in the nearness of God. This reliance on God’s presence is a key principle taught throughout Scripture, reminding believers that in their own moments of anguish, they can trust the Lord to remain by their side. Though David lived hundreds of years before Christ, his plea anticipates the promise that Jesus would embody—Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
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Psalms 38:21 meaning
The psalmist David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, cries out in desperation, “Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me!” (v.21). Although this verse is brief, the plea is deeply personal and resonates with anyone who has experienced loneliness or felt abandoned. David’s words convey both a profound acknowledgement of God’s presence and an urgent request that the Lord remain close, especially in moments of distress. As a writer of many psalms, David often poured out his fears and insecurities before God, modeling a transparent relationship with the Creator that finds an echo in the New Testament teaching to “draw near to God” (James 4:8), trusting He will not forsake His people.
In the context of Psalm 38, David is wrestling with the weight of personal sin and its consequences, a burden that can leave anyone feeling isolated and in dire need of divine intervention. By saying, “O my God, do not be far from me!” (v.21), David recognizes which source of comfort and healing he needs to turn to. His plea highlights God’s loving nature, as well as the hope that comes from God’s forgiveness and restoration. This concept is ultimately fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus, who offers restoration to all who come to Him in repentance (Matthew 11:28).
Through these words, “Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me!” (v.21), David displays a faith that is both honest and desperate, showing that hope is anchored in the nearness of God. This reliance on God’s presence is a key principle taught throughout Scripture, reminding believers that in their own moments of anguish, they can trust the Lord to remain by their side. Though David lived hundreds of years before Christ, his plea anticipates the promise that Jesus would embody—Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).