Psalms 22:19
But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Psalms 22:19: "But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me."
Amid intense distress, the psalmist pleads for God’s nearness and intervention. The request, “be not thou far from me,” echoes plea after plea found in lament literature: when danger rages, the sense of divine absence amplifies pain. Yet the speaker also acknowledges God as “my strength,” recognizing that true power to endure and prevail comes from God, not from human resources. The line “haste thee to help me” expresses urgency—an appeal for immediate divine action. Culturally, lamenters often balanced honesty about fear with faith in a God who is present and capable, even in silence. This verse sits at a hinge: the cry of vulnerability meets confident trust in God’s readiness to respond. It signals to the reader that faithful prayer does not require calm assurance but raw honesty and dependence on God’s timing and power.
This verse foregrounds the intimate dynamic of relationship with God in suffering. It reinforces the belief that God is not distant or indifferent but near to the afflicted. The tension between human fear and divine closeness reveals a core biblical motif: God’s strength is perfected in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The call for urgency points to God’s faithful nature—He hears, sees, and acts according to His wisdom and timing. Theologically, it also affirms that suffering does not nullify divine presence but can refine faith, teaching reliance and prayerful perseverance.
When you’re overwhelmed, this verse can guide you to press into prayer with honesty: tell God you need Him now, not later. Create practical routines: short, frequent prayers throughout the day, a verse that anchors you, or a trusted friend who prays with you. In relationships, model this posture by asking for help when you’re weak and avoiding the illusion that you must carry burdens alone. If you’re a caregiver or frontline worker under pressure, memorize this line as a reminder that God is your source of strength and that He responds with timely mercy. Practically, identify one small action God can do today to bring relief—whether a phone call, a break, or a moment of quiet—and invite Him into that moment.
Cross-References: Psalm 22:11; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 4:16; James 5:16.