Passage: Psalm 70
The Big Idea
Psalm 70 is a short, urgent prayer, nearly identical to the end of Psalm 40. It begins and ends with the same plea: Make haste, O God! In between, David asks God to turn back his mockers and to let all who seek Him rejoice and say, “Let God be magnified!” It’s a prayer for the poor and needy, which is exactly what we are.
Reflections
Make haste, O God, to deliver me! (v. 1). I call You by name: Jesus, Deliverer, Messiah. Hurry to help me. You alone can bring life to a dead heart. Wash away the problems I caused and help Your family today. Each day of waiting is hard, but I trust You know the right day to step in. I need so much grace today.
Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life (v. 2). Your hand is mighty, and You defend those who cast themselves on You. That’s what I do, so much that some think I’m foolish. Even the people closest to me don’t always understand. Make Yourself strong on my behalf.
Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say, “Aha, aha!” (v. 3). Only You can touch their lives. I just want to live in peace. Put a wall of protection around my family so we can dwell with You in safety.
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!” (v. 4). You get the glory. You’re my salvation, my confidence, my joy and my peace. Help me live continually in Your Spirit and put my emotions in their place.
But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay (v. 5). Your own Word gives me permission to pray like David. I can’t fix a dead heart. I’m poor in resources. I’m still a sinner with passions and pride, yet You’ve adopted me. I don’t deserve Your mercy, but I’ll stay close and trust it. Send Your help quickly.
Grace Takeaway
You don’t have to be polished to pray. “I am poor and needy; make haste” is a prayer God loves to answer. Cast yourself on Him, and let your heart say, “Let God be magnified!”
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