Are you in a situation where you could use some help? Why not take some advice from the Psalmist?

Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!"  Psalm 116:4 NIV

Nothing fancy here!

We don’t really know what was going on in the life of the Psalmist, but we know whatever it was, he needed help. He called out to the Living God. What impresses me about the prayer is that he didn’t use flowery words; he just laid it all on the line: “O LORD, save me!”

I think even I could remember that prayer!

When the Psalmist cried, “O LORD”, he was giving recognition to the One He knew was hearing the prayer. The term Lord means the one to whom one gives homage. This is the “boss”, the one we choose to follow and obey. When it is capitalized in the text, it is the highest form of flattery. Placing an “O” in front is a further sign of nobility. It is a formal way of introduction. So, the Psalmist is paying tribute and honor to his God. He knows this problem cannot be solved by any other god, person, or means. This is it! God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, is the only One who can come through for him.

“Save me” is fairly simple to understand. It means basically: “Get me out of this mess.” I know how that feels. I’ve been in situations before where I couldn’t quite put it into words. I just knew I needed relief. Ever been there? The Psalmist doesn’t waste time trying to impress God. He just asks for help. He doesn’t give a lot of explanation. He simply states his case before the Lord. He is in trouble, he trusts that God is the only One who can help, and he asks God to come through for him.

Are you in a situation where you could use some help? Do you not know quite how to address God in your prayer to Him? Do you not seem to know what to ask for? Why not take some advice from the Psalmist? “O LORD, save me!” Think you can remember that prayer next time you’re in trouble?