“Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.” – Psalm 22:11 

Scripture reading: Luke 22:39-46

What we hear in verse 11, with the cry to God that trouble is near and there’s no one to help, is a man in prayer. In fact, verse 11 is the loudest cry for help thus far in this psalm. Here the words are very direct for the first time.

You see, we were not made to be on our own. It is when we are so alone that we particularly realize this. However, you are never actually really alone. The Lord is always with you. He never lets you down.

But we let him down. We accept that Jesus had to tread the winepress alone. Yet, how much it would have hurt Him that all His disciples had deserted Him. Mark 14:50 says that they all fled.

Christ had laid it all in His Father’s hands, however. He confessed in verse 10 that he was completely dependent upon Him. In God’s time He knows He will be delivered. Let’s do the same. Let’s look to Him when trouble is near and seemingly there is no one there. But let’s also do this when it seems as if you do have everything you need here!

Suggestions for prayer

Ask the Lord that you will turn to him in prayer – real prayer. Not the quickly muttered and recited formulae, but with heartfelt and genuine words. And let’s pray for this in bad times – and good!

Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.