What is the meaning of Psalm 71:12? Be not far from me, O God “Be not far from me, O God” (Psalm 71:12a) is the psalmist’s heartfelt plea for the Lord’s immediate nearness. The words assume God’s absolute existence and covenant loyalty while still recognizing moments when His felt presence seems distant. • Confidence in covenant closeness – Psalm 22:11 echoes the same cry: “Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.” The repeated request shows how God’s people have always trusted His promise to be near (Deuteronomy 4:7). • Refusal to accept distance as normal – Rather than resign himself, the writer calls on the Lord who “is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). This insistence springs from faith in God’s unchanging character, summed up in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Personal relationship, not ritual formality – He addresses God directly—“my” God—showing intimate fellowship, much like David’s petition in Psalm 139:7-10 that no matter where he goes, the Lord’s hand will guide him. • Expectation of literal, practical intervention – There is no hint of doubt that the God who rules heaven can step into earthly need. The psalmist’s words take Scripture’s promises at face value and demand their fulfillment in the present crisis. Hurry, O my God, to help me “Hurry, O my God, to help me” (Psalm 71:12b) tightens the plea into an urgent request for action. • Faith fuels urgency – When the psalmist says “hurry,” he shows unwavering belief that God can act immediately, as modeled in Psalm 70:1, “Make haste, O God, to deliver me.” • Honest expression of desperate need – Like Psalm 40:13, “Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, LORD, to help me,” the words admit human weakness and lean fully on divine strength. • Alignment with God’s saving nature – Isaiah 59:1 reminds us, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save.” Asking God to hurry is consistent with His revealed desire to rescue His people swiftly (Luke 18:7-8). • Confidence in personal deliverance – The pronoun “my” underscores a covenant claim: the God who bound Himself to His people will not fail His own. The psalmist expects real-time rescue, just as Paul later experienced when “the Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17). summary Psalm 71:12 captures a believer’s bold, twofold cry: first for God’s felt nearness, then for His rapid intervention. The verse models trust that takes God’s promises literally, speaks to Him personally, and expects Him to act right now. In trouble we can echo these words with confidence, knowing the Lord is both near and ready to help. |
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