“But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!” -Psalm 22:19–21
This is a climactic turning point in the Psalm. Though David was seemingly at the brink of death and in utter despair, he maintained his faith. In other words, his were not random groaning, but the petitions of a lamenting man who did not believe his prayers were offered in vain.
He has suffered the to uttermost and now turns his petition for a quick deliverance of his soul and precious (or only) life from the various and manifold threats: the sword, the power of the dog, the mouth of the lion, and the horns of the wild beasts.
The progression in this petition is of special note. Don’t be far off! Come quickly! Deliver my soul! Save me! You have rescued me! What a comfort and delight that the Lord has chosen to preserve these prayers for a heritage and a testimony to his faithfulness even the darkest of hours.