How can we seek God's presence when feeling abandoned, as in Psalm 71:12? The Heart Cry Behind Psalm 71:12 “Be not far from me, O God; hurry, O my God, to help me.” (Psalm 71:12) • A direct, urgent plea that assumes God hears and cares. • Spoken by an aging believer who has known God’s rescue before (vv. 5–6, 17–18). • Shows that feeling abandoned is not unbelief; it is an invitation to seek Him more fervently. Recognizing the Feeling • Loneliness: relationships fail, prayers seem unanswered. • Fear: circumstances feel bigger than God’s promises. • Weariness: long trials sap strength and hope. • Doubt: “Has God forgotten me?” (cf. Psalm 77:9). Ways to Seek His Nearness Call Out Honestly • Pour out the heart without editing (Psalm 62:8). • Keep it personal: “my God, my help” (Psalm 71:12). • Trust that He welcomes candor (1 Peter 5:7). Remember Past Deliverance • Rehearse specific memories of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 71:14–17). • Keep a written list; gratitude fuels confidence (Psalm 9:1). Anchor in Written Promises • Deuteronomy 31:6—“He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Isaiah 41:10—“Do not fear, for I am with you.” • Hebrews 13:5—quoted promise carried into the New Covenant. • Speak these aloud; faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). Meditate and Sing • Reading slowly, emphasizing every phrase (Psalm 119:15). • Singing psalms and hymns invites His felt presence (Psalm 22:3). • Worship shifts focus from absence to assurance. Draw Near Practically • Silence and solitude: remove competing voices (Mark 1:35). • Fellowship: God often arrives through His people (Matthew 18:20). • Communion and baptism: tangible reminders of union with Christ. Serve While You Wait • Helping others reveals God’s nearness in action (Isaiah 58:10–11). • Suffering is tempered when channeled into ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Expect Him to Act • “Morning by morning” watch for answers (Psalm 5:3). • Keep praying until His peace guards your heart (Philippians 4:6–7). • Hope is not wishful thinking but certainty based on His character (Lamentations 3:21–24). Promises That Steady the Soul • Psalm 34:18—“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” • Psalm 23:4—He walks through the valley with us. • James 4:8—“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • Jeremiah 29:13—Seeking with all the heart guarantees finding. Putting It into Practice 1. Set aside ten unhurried minutes daily to voice Psalm 71:12 and personal concerns. 2. Read one gospel scene where Jesus moves toward the hurting (e.g., Mark 1:40–45). 3. List three past rescues and thank Him aloud. 4. Reach out to one believer for mutual encouragement. 5. End the day reciting Deuteronomy 31:6, trusting the One who never abandons His own. |
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