Truth in a time of trouble

Be not far from me,

for trouble is near,

and there is none to help.

Psalm 22:11

The prayer request that is this verse is a vital request even today. We live in a world that has countless challenges to faith. Our own sin natures make it all too easy for us to drift unsafe distances from trusting God and His truth. And if God left us alone, we’d quickly be ruined by a world system that hates the truth and considers itself the real ruler of this planet.

But God has created both His people, and His universe. God is in control. God has His clear purposes. God will receive the glory and the worship of His people. And He will save all those who truly call upon Him. Three truths from this verse give us confidence to pray this same request to God when we are in deep and sometimes overwhelming need.

First, God is near. We know God is not far from us. And we can appeal to His intimate closeness in our troubles. He is right there with us. We must know and believe and embrace His always present love for us. We may drift in distance, but God is unchanging. He is near. We can pray to God Who is as close as a Father’s embrace.

Second, trouble is also near. Jesus said it clearly in comfort to His disciples: “…in the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33) We need not fear the trouble that will always be near us in this life. God will deliver us. He will help us avoid the pitfalls of temptation and the perils of the plans of those who hate God.

Finally, there is no other help. The only hope we have is through Christ. Other people will eventually disappoint us. Our own strength will fail. And the world does not care for the people of God. Yet we will find that God is more than enough when we trust our Lord, our Creator, the Keeper of His promises, the Ruler of the universe, and the One Who loves His people forever!