“Hurry up and help me!” I suppose none of us are strangers to the sorts of urgent prayers that begin and end this psalm. But the middle verses of the psalm remind us that everyone shouldn’t expect such prayers to be answered. For everyone is not, in fact, on good terms with God.

And our recent mass shootings are only the latest examples of human brutality, a sobering reminder that many do set out to hurt other people, or even take their lives (verse 2). But instead of helping those who try to use force to dominate others, David asks God to turn them back, not only keeping their evil plans from succeeding, but also excluding them from His presence. Instead of giving them the safety David seeks, he asks God to make them ashamed of what they’ve done (verse 3).

But how different are those who are in a right relationship with God! Verse 4 reminds us that they seek the Lord instead of their own profit or pleasure. They want God to be magnified; they want God to have His reputation enhanced, instead of proudly puffing themselves up in the eyes of other people. Instead of pursuing their own desires, they love the salvation that only comes from the Lord.

And the good news is that all those who humble themselves before God in such a way, all those who seek His glory and the good of others can rejoice and be glad (verse 4). For because of the perfect sacrifice of Christ, all those who trust Him as Savior and bow the knee to Him as Lord can be confident that God will hear and answer their prayers.

So, no matter what sorts of enemies may face us today, however afflicted and needy we might be, let’s turn to the Lord in prayer. For the cross and the empty tomb leave no doubt that He is able and willing to help us and deliver us.

Psalm 70 (NASB)

For the choir director. A Psalm of David; for a memorial.
O God, hasten to deliver me; O LORD, hasten to my help!
2 Let those be ashamed and humiliated Who seek my life; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt.
3 Let those be turned back because of their shame Who say, “Aha, aha!”
4 Let all who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; And let those who love Thy salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.”
5 But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God! Thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.