Do Not Forsake Me, O Lord!
We need to pray for God's constant upholding in our lives, acknowledging our dependence on Him at all times.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of God's constant presence in our lives, urging believers to continually pray, 'Do not forsake me, O Lord!' He illustrates that just as a child needs a parent's support while learning to walk, we too require God's guidance at all times, whether in joy or sorrow. Spurgeon reminds us that without God's help, we are vulnerable to falling into temptation and danger. He encourages us to seek God's presence in every moment, recognizing that our strength comes from Him alone. The prayer for God's nearness is vital, as it sustains us through life's trials and tribulations.
Text
"Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O my God!" Psalm 38:21
Frequently we pray that God would not forsake us in the hour of trial and temptation; but we too much forget that we have need to use this prayer at all times. There is no moment of our life, however holy--in which we can do without His constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in communion or in temptation--we alike need the prayer, "Do not forsake me, O Lord!"
A little child, while learning to walk--always needs the parent's aid. The ship left by the pilot--drifts at once from her course. Just so--we cannot survive without continuous aid from God.
Let it be your prayer today, "Do not forsake me, O Lord! Father, do not forsake Your child--lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd, do not forsake Your lamb--lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Gardener, do not forsake Your plant--lest it wither and die! Do not forsake me now, O Lord! And do not forsake me at any moment of my life. Do not forsake me in my joys--lest they absorb my heart. Do not forsake me not in my sorrows--lest I murmur against You. Do not forsake me--for my path is dangerous, and full of snares--and I cannot travel without Your guidance. Do not forsake me--for without You I am weak--but with You I am strong. Do not be far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near--and there is none to help. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!"
"Hold me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:115
Sermon Outline
- The Need for God's Uplifting
- The Consequences of God's Forsaking
- The Benefits of God's Presence
- We are strong in His presence
- We are safe in His presence
- We will wither and die
Key Quotes
“Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O my God!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Hold me up--and I shall be safe!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Do not forsake me now, O Lord! And do not forsake me at any moment of my life.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should pray 'Do not forsake me, O Lord!' at all times, acknowledging our dependence on Him.
- We should seek God's presence in our lives, knowing that we are strong and safe in His presence.
- We should ask God to hold us up and keep us safe, trusting in His salvation and guidance.