Psalm 70

“But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” vs. 5

The psalmist was feeling harassed and alone, besieged by enemies who sought his life, and he needed the Lord’s help without delay. It wasn’t a lack of faith that was his problem. He knew that God was an ever-present source of help in a time of trouble, but we get a sense from the psalmist’s words that maybe God hadn’t noticed his needs. Or maybe the Lord just didn’t realize how bad the situation was, and now the clock was ticking. If he didn’t get help it would be too late!

That kind of urgency creeps into our prayers too. Most of the time our laments are of the nagging variety. We’ve been feeling that things aren’t right for a long time and regularly bring them to the Lord’s attention. But when things don’t improve for the better and burdens are not lifted, when our loved ones continue to struggle, there comes a point when we say with boldness and conviction, “Okay Lord, it’s now or never! Continued delay is unacceptable! Do not delay!”

And at that point there isn’t much more that we can do. Oh, we could stop praying altogether and maybe try some other resources. But we have a sense that if God can’t help, no one can. So we keep praying! And sooner or later our deliverer shows up!

Thought for the Day: How long will I pray without ceasing?