Psalms 39:13
O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Psalms 39:13
This verse is a plea for mercy and strength before life ends. “O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more” captures a sober recognition of human frailty and the urgency to renew vitality before death. In Psalms, such petitions often arise from the sense that life’s trials wear down both body and spirit. The desire to recover strength points to a longing to fulfill one’s God-given purposes and to maintain faithfulness until life’s end.
The verse emphasizes mortality and the humane cry for vitality. It resonates with biblical calls to steward life well, remain faithful in weakness, and recognize God as the giver of strength. It also aligns with the broader biblical motif that longing for endurance under trial can be oriented toward faithfulness and hope in God’s ultimate redemptive plan.
If you’re running on empty, bring that exhaustion to God. Seek practical renewal: rest, nourishment, and time with supportive people. Identify one concrete goal you’d like to accomplish before you “go hence”—whether it’s a family conversation, finishing a project, or offering a word of encouragement to someone else. Balance urgency with discernment: know when to push forward and when to pause, trusting God to supply strength. Let your last seasons reflect faithfulness, not burnout.
Cross-References: Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 71:9; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; James 4:14; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2