What does "do not forsake me" show?
What does "do not forsake me" reveal about David's relationship with God?

Setting the Scene

David’s cry “Do not forsake me” appears in Psalm 38:21: “Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God.” The psalm is a lament written while David is overwhelmed by sin, physical pain, and hostile enemies. In that pressure-cooker, his instinct is to cling to the LORD he knows personally.


Layers of Meaning in the Plea “Do Not Forsake Me”

• Covenant Confidence

– David invokes the name “LORD” (YHWH), the covenant name God revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15).

– He trusts God’s promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; echoed in Hebrews 13:5).

– By repeating God’s own words back to Him, David shows he expects God to be true to His unbreakable covenant.

• Intimate Relationship

– David adds, “O my God,” revealing ownership and closeness (cf. Psalm 23:1).

– His plea is not a formal ritual but an honest, relational conversation with his Shepherd.

• Humble Dependence

– David admits he cannot fix his situation alone; he needs God near.

– Earlier in the psalm he confesses sin (Psalm 38:4-5). His request grows out of repentance, illustrating that humility draws God’s presence (Isaiah 57:15).

• Fear of Abandonment, Yet Faith in Mercy

– The very fact he can ask shows he believes God listens even when circumstances scream otherwise (Psalm 27:9).

– His fear is not unbelief but a child’s dread of losing parental protection, proving how essential God’s nearness is to him.

• Persistence in Prayer

– “Do not forsake me” is voiced near the psalm’s end, indicating David has kept praying through pain rather than giving up (Luke 18:1 principle).

– He models steady reliance, expecting God to act in His timing.


What This Reveals About David’s Relationship with God

• Deeply Personal: God is “my” God, not a distant deity.

• Covenant-Anchored: David leans on promises, not feelings.

• Honest and Transparent: He brings raw fears and failures into God’s presence.

• Dependent and Child-like: He knows every breath of hope rests on God staying close.

• Faith-Fueled: Even while trembling, he expresses confidence that God will remain faithful.


Takeaways for Today

• Run to the Lord when guilt, sickness, or opposition press in; covenant mercy remains sure (1 John 1:9).

• Pray Scripture back to God; His promises are the strongest footing for faith.

• Cultivate a relationship where honesty and reverence coexist—David’s pattern invites us to do the same.

• Remember God’s unchanging pledge: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), a promise sealed for us in Christ.

How does Psalm 38:21 encourage reliance on God's presence in difficult times?
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