“Save, O Lord!”
Upon reading the above plea (found in Psalm 12:1), I was immediately struck by how little I pray those words. Their brevity is striking, and their meaning profound.
In this verse (and others like it), we find two oft-forgotten principles.
We’re always in need, and He is ever-present to save.
Our need.
“Save, O Lord”
“Save” isn’t a word uttered by many in the midst of petty trials, miniscule frustrations, or tedious tasks. “Save” is only offered as a desperate plea for help in the midst of the most dire circumstances! The sailor pulled overboard, the stranded mountain climber, and the soldier at gunpoint alike yell “save!”. They are acutely aware of their circumstances.
David provides an amazing example of what the Christian who accurately understands his circumstances looks like. The Psalms are peppered with verses such as the following:
“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck! I sink in the deep mire where there is no foothold.” (Ps. 69:1-2)
“Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!” (Ps. 70:1)
Our dear Mr. Spurgeon writes of Psalm 12:1 that, “Where the creature failed, [David] flew to the Creator.”
The “creature” (ourselves, our family, our friends, etc), fail often. Let us follow David’s example and make haste to the Creator.
His presence.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-2)
Just as the sailor pulled overboard, the stranded mountain climber, or the soldier held at gunpoint wouldn’t wait to cry for help until they had exhausted their own personal resources, we, as Christians have no reason to hesitate before running to our Savior with a cry of “save, oh Lord!” Our Rescuer is not far off! He is near at all times, and hears every plea.
Every assignment…”Help!”
Every relational difficulty…“Help!”
Every sin…“Help!”
Every spiritual need…“Help!”
Every illness…”Help!”
Every pain…“Help!”
Every anxiety…”Help!”
If we’re always in need, and He is always nearby to save, let us cry out often for His help! The answer to prayer is certain.
“The Lord’s character assures us that He will not leave His people; His relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us His help. God’s gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and His sure promise stands, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Charles Spurgeon)
Filed under: Christian Living, Weakness
This is so perfect for this week. I really haven’t been feeling well the past few days and the day before yesterday I just felt so terrible. I told my mom and we talked to God about it, listened, and then prayed together. Within half an hour I felt 90% better.
I remember finding the words, “Save me,” in Psalms a few years ago when I was in the middle of a horrible situation and was praying for help.
He does Save…..and is so Faithful to His Promises (even when we get impatient or panicked or have moments of doubt!)
Thanks for this. It was a great confirmation to what I’ve been experiencing this week. And a great encouragement to keep trusting with the little things I expect to do on my own but know (keep realizing) that I can’t.
God bless!
Hmm. Thanks for reminding me of that, Kate. Sometimes, and especially this week, I feel that I am so far from God, that I’m too far gone or distant for Him to give me the encouragment and the strength I need. But even in that weakness of feeling distant and cold, I can still call for His help. I can still cry, “I am Yours, save me,” as so many before.
How sweet and awful these small, pitiful words are: they pluck at the heartstrings of God, and make Him hear. How amazing He is!