Help!
Opening Prayer
On this Pentecost, thank God for the fulfillment of his promise: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28).
Read Psalm 70:1-5
[1] For the director of music. Of David. A petition. Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, LORD, to help me. [2] May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. [3] May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. [4] But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” [5] But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; LORD, do not delay. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What power do you feel in this psalm?You can just imagine Paul praying these words under his breath as he stood in court in Corinth (Acts 18:12,13) or listened to the shouts of thousands of angry citizens of Ephesus who were gathered in the theatre there (Acts 19:28-30). Or you can sympathize with the psalmist, whose many enemies wanted to kill him (2). The psalmist would only half agree with the Jewish proverb: “Rejoice not at thine enemy’s fall–but don’t rush to pick him up either.” We’ve all felt up against the world at some time, and maybe especially when no one is taking notice of the good news we have to share. This psalm gives us a structure of words to say and thoughts to think at just such times: Hurry up and help, God (1)! Don’t let them get the better of me (2,3)! But You bring joy, Lord, because You save (4). And in the end it’s all about You, not me (4). But, Lord, I’m desperate! Oh help (5)!
Apply
“Hurry up and help, God! Please!” Is there anything about which you feel like saying that to God?
Closing prayer
Christ Jesus, You are my Guide and my Redeemer. Lead me today to be Your faithful, loving servant.
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