Deuteronomy 32, Psalm 70, Matthew 28:1-10, Romans 15:14-33 

Psalm 70:

Jesus teaches us that we should always pray and not give up. And it is the experience of many a godly man and woman that prayer is to be persevered in, not merely played with. And yet, it is also a worthy desire to ask God to answer your prayers speedily. Such is this prayer here in this psalm. David is asking that God move quickly or hastily: “Make haste O God” (70:1); “make haste to help me” (70:1); “hasten to me, O God” (70:5); “O Lord, do not delay” (70:5). Is there something on your mind this morning that requires not only God’s intervention but his speedy intervention? If so, take courage in both hands, and in the name of Christ and with the boldness that can only come through his grace fulfilled in Christ’s redemptive blood, ask God to work with haste!

Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!

In David’s case, the need was great because his enemies were seeking his very “life” (70:2) in order to cause him “hurt” (70:2) and mock him with derision (“Aha, Aha!” 70:3). Perhaps that is your situation this morning. Perhaps you read this all too aware that there are people who would rather see you dead. Perhaps they are too polite to say so in such blunt terms, but they sneer at your Christian faith, mock your Christian values, and hint that you would be well suited to another job. They are trying to get rid of you! And you, then, call out to God to ask him intervene with haste! Use this prayer of David’s this morning as yours.

But David does not only pray to stop these enemies, he also prays that those who serve God would flourish. That too must be prayed for: “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!” (70:4). It is a spiritual crime that Christians are too often morose, when we of all people have that with which to make us supremely glad! So pray then that the church of God, the faithful follower of God, would rejoice and be glad! And then, though, perhaps once again you turn your attention back to your own personal need, pray for hasty divine intervention.

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