Although Psalm 70 is almost identical to Psalm 40:13-16, there is something to be gained again from studying this prayer of David.  David quickly needed God’s help.  Have you ever needed God to move?  Have you ever needed God to move a little faster?  I’m sure we have all been in the position of needing God quick, fast, and in a hurry.  Let me ask you a question.  How fast did you go to God for that help?  Did you try and solve your problem on your own a couple of weeks and when that didn’t work, go to Him in a panic?  Have you been procrastinating with the Lord and are you now expecting Him to move at the speed of light?  We sometimes want God to move swiftly, but we acted slowly.  I’ve heard it said that prayer should be our first reaction, not our last resort.

David asked the Lord to “hasten” and “come quickly” to help him (v. 1).  The intent here was for God to move sooner than expected to expedite relief.  Let’s not miss a big point here.  David repeated this Psalm because it worked before.  David knew his past prayers would also work in the present because God never changes.  The past enemies were no problem for God, and these wouldn’t be either.  David was in trouble again, and he knew right where to turn.  I think David was quick to pray this Psalm because He knew God’s character.  He knew God would listen, help, deliver, and save quickly without delay (vv. 1, 5).  How confident are you that God will help you when you ask?  When you go to God in prayer, are you double-minded with doubt that God will intervene in your situation?  If so, James 1:6-8 says, “When you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”  We must pray to God confident of His ability, timing, and love for us.  We must trust and have faith that His response is His will for our lives.

David needed help fast, but David also needed more of the Lord.  There is a difference.  Sometimes we want God’s help but don’t want Him.  Sometimes we want His provision without His presence.   If we seek Him more, when trouble comes, we will want more of Him, including His help.  Not only did David want God’s help with his enemies (vv. 2-3), he wanted others to discover how great God was and seek and be glad in Him (v. 4).  While we should ask God for personal help, we should want others to notice how God helps us and seek a personal relationship with Him.  For example, if someone has to go to the hospital, they should ask the Lord for help and use that time to illustrate their faith in the Lord in the hope others will reach out to them.  God uses our trials to turn others to Himself. 

Questions:

1. Do you quickly turn to the Lord in prayer when trouble comes?
2. Do you trust the Lord’s timing and response to your situations?
3. Do you use your problems to display your faith so others will turn to Christ?

Prayer:

Lord, help me trust You at all times.  You are never early and never late.  You are always on time.  I have faith in Your timing and response to my situations.  May I instantly run to You in trouble.  Help me be full of faith so others will desire a relationship with You.  May I remember my past prayers and lift my soul to you in the present.  You never change.  You are always good and trustworthy.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.