Psalms 114:21 Meaning & Explanation (with Related Verses)

“The deep cried, and said, It is not with me: and the sea said, It is not with me: The Lord hath forsaken me.”

– King James Version (KJV)


“The deep cried out, ‘It is not with me;’ and the sea said, ‘It is not with me;’ The Lord has abandoned me.’”

– Amplified (AMP)


“The deep voice cried out, ‘I was not there;’ and the sea said, ‘I was not there;’ the Lord has turned away from me.”

– The Message Bible (MSG)


Psalms 114:21 Meaning

The verse from Psalms 114:21 speaks of a situation where both the deep and the sea cry out, saying that they have been forsaken by the Lord. This can be a strange concept, but it shows how every part of creation longs for the presence of God. When we think of the deep and the sea, we should understand them as representations of depths and vastness in our lives. They symbolize places that can feel lonely, dark, or abandoned. This verse is a reminder that even nature feels a void when God is not present in our lives.

When we read this verse, it encourages us to reflect on our own lives. Are there times when we feel abandoned or distant from God? It is common for us to feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face, leading us to believe that we are alone. This verse reminds us that even when we feel forsaken, we are not actually left alone. God is still there, even when we cannot perceive Him. He listens to our cries and is near to us, especially in our deepest troubles.

Popular Words of Wisdom From Psalms 114:21


“In times of trouble, remember that the depths may cry out, but so does the heart of the Lord for you. He is always listening, and you are never truly alone.” – Rev. Charles Stanley


“Even when it seems like God is far away, He is never distancing Himself from us. In every moment of despair, He is present, waiting for us to reach out.” – Pastor Rick Warren


“The depths of the sea and the soul cry for God’s presence. There is a divine connection we all seek, and it is found only in Him.” – Dr. Tony Evans


Psalms 114:21 Context Explained

To fully grasp this verse, we need to consider the greater context in the Book of Psalms. This Psalm celebrates the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and their journey towards the promised land. In previous verses, we see God displaying His power against nature, shaping the environment in favor of His people. Thus, the deep and the sea, representing chaos and uncertainty, are now mentioned as responding to God’s action. This sets a strong tone of recognition that God is in control of all creation.

In this light, when we read that the deep and the sea cry out, it conveys an idea of spiritual longing. The depths may represent times of suffering or turbulence in our lives, while the sea could symbolize the unpredictable trials we face. Each of us experiences our personal depths, and sometimes we may feel abandoned in these places. Yet, through this passage, we come to understand that even nature reflects a search for God’s reassurance, mirroring our own need for His love and guidance.

Understanding this, we realize how connected we are with God’s creation. We are not separate beings floating in a chaotic world but rather part of a grand design where every aspect of creation reveals God’s desire to be close to us. Our prayers are not isolated; they resonate with the cries of nature that yearn for divine intervention. Just as the sea waves rise and fall, so do our emotions as we journey through life.

Psalms 114:21 Key Parts Explained

The verse brings to light the significance of two key components: the deep and the sea. These are powerful metaphors for our struggles. The deep often represents the subconscious and the hidden pain we carry within. We try to suppress this pain, but like the deep calling out, it surfaces in moments of distress. Similarly, the sea often represents the outward struggles we face—those uncertainties that emerge as we encounter life’s trials.

In both instances, these elements are crying out, resonating with a deep desire for God’s presence. When faced with challenges, it is easy to feel forsaken, yet this scripture reflects that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. God hears the cries of the deep and the echoes of the sea. His ear is always attentive to our sufferings, and He responds, providing hope and comfort.

Furthermore, the verse implies a collective cry. We are not the only ones experiencing these challenges; our situations connect with broader themes within the human experience. When others around us suffer, we witness similar cries within our communities. This realization fosters empathy and encourages us to support one another while we seek God’s presence together.

This understanding unfolds again through seeking God’s guidance and intervention in prayer. We are called to recognize our struggles and to voice them, just as nature does. In these moments of unease, we must remember that God longs to hear our cries and will always respond with love and compassion.

Lessons to Learn From Psalms 114:21

Embrace Your Vulnerability

First and foremost, this verse encourages us to embrace our vulnerabilities. Just like the deep cries out for God’s presence, we too should feel comfortable acknowledging our struggles. Expressing our feelings of abandonment does not denote weakness; rather, it embodies a powerful step in our spiritual journey. God welcomes our raw emotions, and through these cries, He draws us nearer to Him.

Recognizing That We Are Not Alone

Another lesson emerges here: we are not alone in our emotional depths. Just as the sea and the deep have their own cries, our friends, family, and community are likely experiencing similar struggles as they navigate through life. Understanding this can strengthen our connections with each other, prompting us to reach out for support and encouragement. Together, we can lift one another up.

Seeking God’s Presence

Finally, we uncover the profound necessity of seeking God’s presence in our lives. Throughout the ups and downs, we must lean into our faith and be reminded that He is always there, ready to comfort us. With every cry we make, we should turn our hearts towards the Lord, trusting Him to lift us out of the depths and guide us through the waves of life. Each moment we spend in His presence will reinforce our bond and provide renewed strength.

Psalms 114:21 Related Verses

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” – Psalm 37:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on Psalms 114:21, we embrace the depth of emotion depicted in this scripture and recognize our experiences parallel those of the deep and the sea. It is comforting to know that as we navigate our own struggles, we possess a God who is always near. By turning to Him in our moments of need and sharing our pains, we find strength and purpose.

Each cry of the deep reminds us of our shared human experience, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to one another. Let us allow these lessons to inspire us to be present for our friends, family, and community as they navigate their struggles alongside us. As we face life’s uncertainties, may we actively seek God’s presence, recognizing that we are never alone in our spiritual journey.

For more enriching topics to read about, consider exploring Bible verses about acceptance or Bible verses about being present. Each offers insights into walking closer with God and embracing the connections we share with others.