“Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!” Psalm 70:1
August 4, 2023
Have you ever had those moments when you are so exasperated by your circumstances all you can say to God is “help!” The demands on our thoughts can be overwhelming at times. People we love may be making poor decisions. We are being asked for advice to help clean up messes others have created. You are tired and have not slept well. In Psalm 70 David’s enemies stir him to plead for help from God. He is desperate and could have very well been thinking, “I need help now. If you don’t step in and help me right away, it will be too late.” Or “If I don’t get some relief from this immediately, I think I am going to crack up.” There are some guard rails in this psalm to keep us from running off into the ditch of despair. (1) Bring yourself before God knowing He has the ability to do what is necessary. There are times when a “hurried” prayer is necessary. (2) There are times when we should not hesitate to ask God to frustrate the evil plans of people who are committed to making us suffer (“May those who want to harm me be turned back and ashamed” 70:2b). (3) Be ready to rejoice in what God can and will do (“May all those who seek you be happy and rejoice in you” 70:4). (4) An overwhelming sense of dependency is vital to receiving the help we need (“I am oppressed and needy. O God, hurry to me” 70:5). And while we are crying for help, remember that our trials can teach us how to pray for other Christians.
H
“Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” John Bunyan