5 Psalms Asking God for Help: Relying on God’s Strength and Protection During Adversity
In the valleys of life, do you feel lonely and helpless? When your prayers seem unanswered, have you ever doubted God’s presence? These 5 Psalms asking God for help will lead you into His promises, showing you how He responds to our cries and helping you find hope and a way forward in life.
1. Psalm 118:5–6 - Peace and Confidence in a Spacious Place
“I called on the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:5–6).
In life, we often face oppression and difficulties. When confronted with unknown challenges or dangers, anxiety and fear are natural responses. However, this passage gives us a divine promise: Even in times of crisis, as long as we boldly call upon God, His help is always near.
“Set me in a large place” is such a beautiful image! It not only signifies that God provides a safe refuge but also represents a sense of freedom—liberation from fear, anxiety, and stress. Many times, difficulties make us feel surrounded and trapped, as if we’ve been forced into a corner where it’s hard to breathe. But God’s promise is like a window, opening up a space filled with hope, allowing us to regain confidence for the future.
“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear” is a declaration of faith. God is not only our Savior but also our solid support and refuge. Even though external circumstances may try to harm or discourage us, God’s protection keeps us from being shaken by these challenges. He is our eternal helper. Human strength is ultimately limited, and any harm they can cause is temporary, but God’s protection and grace are everlasting.
Today, we can learn from this passage how to choose to trust in God in difficult times. When we entrust our fears to Him, He grants us inner peace and guides us into the large place He has prepared for us. This does not mean that our troubles will instantly vanish, but in our struggles, our spirits will no longer be bound; we will gain strength, freedom, and a new perspective on our circumstances.
No matter what challenges you are facing, remember—God’s promises never change. He hears our cries when we need Him most and, in His perfect timing, leads us into broader spaces, freeing us from fear. By relying on God, we can receive peace and comfort that surpasses human understanding.
2. Psalm 22:19 — An Urgent Cry in Waiting
“But be not you far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste you to help me” (Psalm 22:19).
Throughout our journey in life, we all experience a profound sense of loneliness at times, as if all support has suddenly vanished, leaving behind only a heart that desperately seeks help. The cry in this passage reflects David’s voice amid immense suffering. When he faced the lows of life, he felt as though God had abandoned him, which created a deep sense of isolation.
David’s prayer conveys a sense of urgency. He is not just waiting for God’s help; he is urgently pleading for God to “haste” to save him. Many of us can relate to this feeling of urgency because, in times of trouble, time seems to stretch endlessly, and every minute and second is amplifying our suffering.
However, David’s prayer also reminds us that, although God may sometimes seem distant, we can hold on to one truth—God is our Savior. He never truly abandons us; even when we cannot feel His presence, He is always beside us. What we need is to persist in our cries and maintain our faith.
This urgency in waiting is not a lack of faith; rather, it reflects David’s reliance on God. It is precisely because he knows that God is the only Savior that he cries out so earnestly. In our own pain and struggles, we should be like David—never giving up on relying on God, but instead calling out to Him with even greater urgency, firmly believing that He will ultimately respond.
Sometimes, difficulties can make us feel as though God is far away, but we must remember that He is never truly distant. As long as we urgently call out to Him, His help will come right on time. Just as God says, “God does not leave people; He is someone they can rely on and find shelter in at all times, and their only confidant. So, no matter what difficulties and suffering befall you, no matter what grievances, or matters of negativity and weakness you are confronted with, if you come before God and pray at once, His words will give you comfort, and resolve your difficulties and all your different problems” (The Word, Vol. 3. The Discourses of Christ of the Last Days. Part Three).
May we confidently and boldly express our hearts to God, for He is always our support, our refuge, and our loving Savior.
3. Psalm 70:5 — God’s Swift Salvation and Grace
“But I am poor and needy: make haste to me, O God: you are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying” (Psalm 70:5).
This verse shows us the most genuine and urgent cry of a person reaching out to God in their weakest and most helpless moments. David felt distressed and impoverished, and his sense of helplessness mirrors the state we experience when facing significant challenges in life. Aware of his limitations and powerlessness, his only way out was to call for God’s timely help.
“Make haste to me” is a request filled with urgency. The difficulties in life often create a sense of urgency, as if we can’t hold on any longer without immediate intervention from God. Yet, it is this very urgency that reveals a crucial truth: Only God’s help can truly save us.
When we call upon God, we are not merely expressing our needs; we are placing our trust in His power and grace. David acknowledges God as his Helper and Savior, which reflects his confidence and reliance on Him. In this trust, he boldly asks God not to delay. He is not commanding God but expressing a deep longing for His salvation.
Today, when we feel distressed and helpless, we can follow David’s example and courageously make our urgent cries to God. His salvation never comes late; although His timing may differ from ours, He always arrives at the right moment to provide the help and comfort we need.
We don’t need to hide our weaknesses or feel ashamed of expressing our urgent expectations to God. Knowing that He is faithful allows us to confidently place all our burdens in His hands. God is always willing to show mercy and grant salvation.
4. Psalm 28:2 — The Power of Raising Hands in Prayer
“Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your holy oracle” (Psalm 28:2).
Raising our hands in prayer is an ancient and deeply symbolic gesture. It not only expresses our reliance on and yearning for God but also signifies a complete surrender of our hearts. In this verse, we see David raising his hands to call on God, longing for Him to hear his pleas. This image conveys a deep sense of trust and longing.
When we lift our hands in prayer, this action is not merely an outward expression; it also represents our inner attitude—a humility and willingness to accept God’s will. David is not just bringing his needs before God; more importantly, he is fully entrusting himself to God’s sovereignty. He believes that God not only hears his cries but will also respond to his needs.
We may sometimes feel that our prayers go unheard, that our troubles persist, and that our problems remain unresolved. However, David’s example teaches us that even in such moments, we must continue to raise our hands and cry out to God, persistently offering our prayers. God never overlooks a sincere plea, even if His answers do not always come as quickly as we hope.
Today, when we face difficulties or feel powerless, we can learn to raise our hands in prayer to God. This gesture signals to ourselves that we have chosen to trust God in our prayers and conveys to Him our willingness to rely entirely on Him, waiting for His timing and arrangements. God will surely listen to us; every cry will reach His ears. His response may not come immediately, but His salvation is never late.
5. Psalm 46:1 — Safety and Dependence in the Refuge
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
This verse brings us great comfort and confidence. In this dark world, especially in the last days, no one can completely escape pain, challenges, and temptation. Illness, unemployment, family issues, and the allure of evil trends are difficulties that everyone may face. When the storms come, we need a refuge, and God is our most secure shelter in times of trouble. Just as God says, “You should know these are the last days. Devils and Satan, like roaring lions, stalk abroad, searching for people to devour. All manner of plagues now break out, and there are many of every sort of evil spirit. Only I am the true God; only I am your refuge. Now you can do nothing but hide in My secret place, only within Me, and disasters will not befall you, and no calamity will come near your tent” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Utterances of Christ in the Beginning, Chapter 28). Clearly, it is only in God that we can find help and protection. His assistance and shelter are not temporary; they are always available to us. When we rely on Him, God grants us the courage and strength to face every difficult moment.
In today’s life, we may feel powerless or anxious when facing an uncertain future. However, this verse strengthens our faith, reminding us that God is our eternal refuge and strength. When we rely on Him, no hardship can destroy us, for we are under the protection of the Almighty.
Let’s Pray Together
Dear Lord, we thank You for Your constant presence and for listening to our prayers in times of trouble. We know that no matter how difficult life may be, Your help is never late. Lord, grant us steadfast faith and help us to trust in You even amid our fears. Please remind us at all times that we can rely on You in any situation, for You are our refuge and our ever-present help. May Your love guide us and soothe our anxious hearts. Thank You for Your endless grace, and may Your glory be revealed in our lives. Amen!
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