A Cry For God’s Help In Urgent Times

Life often presses in on us with urgent needs. The phone rings with bad news, a diagnosis surprises us, or financial stress hits us. We find ourselves desperately crying out for God’s help.

In those moments, long prayers escape us. Instead, we whisper short pleas: “Lord, help me!” Psalm 70 captures that desperate cry. David needed God’s help now, not later.

This Psalm reminds us that the Lord welcomes our urgent prayers, regardless of their nature. Plus, He responds as our ever-present helper according to His will and timing.

Please, God, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. Psalm 70:1

David wasted no words. His prayer revealed his urgency: “Please, God, rescue me!” We often feel tempted to craft eloquent prayers, but God values sincerity over sophistication.

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Short prayers carry power because they flow from the heart. Notice David’s verbs: rescue, come, and help. Each one reflects faith in God’s ability to help. David didn’t rely on his own strength.

The Psalmist who wrote Psalm 46 said, God is always ready to help in times of trouble. Thus, David also ran to the One who never fails. When trouble presses hard, follow his example:

Pray simply. Say what you need without pretense.
Pray urgently. Rely on God’s help to move in His perfect timing—even when it feels delayed.
Pray with confidence. David knew God could rescue him; so should we.

God delights in the childlike heart that calls upon Him for help. Childlike faith involves trusting God knows what’s best for us and loves us enough to provide for our requests.

Justice Belongs to God

May those who try to kill me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. Let them be horrified by their shame for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!” Psalm 70:2-3

David faced real enemies who mocked and threatened his life. He didn’t take revenge into his own hands, though. Instead, he trusted God’s justice. His choice teaches us a couple of lessons.

First, we should resist retaliating by leaving space for God’s righteous judgment. Next, release bitterness by letting go of resentment and anger. Allow God to deal with those who harm you.

Bitterness binds our soul; surrender brings freedom. When praying like David prayed, we acknowledge God as the ultimate Judge. He sees all injustices and will respond at the right time.

The Joy of Seeking God’s Help

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” Psalm 70:4

After crying for help, David turned toward worship. Even in trouble, he prayed for the joy of others also seeking God’s help. Shifting from helplessness and trouble to worship matters.

It teaches us that faith grows stronger when we look beyond our pain to the greatness of God. The phrase “God is great!” echoes through this verse. Notice how David encouraged repetition.

“May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, ‘God is great!'” Worship refuses to remain silent, even in adversity. When we continually magnify God’s greatness, our perspective changes.

How does our perspective change? We see problems as temporary and God’s power as eternal.

Therefore, use the following practical steps to cultivate joy while waiting on the Lord.

Sing a song of praise when anxiety rises.
Speak God’s promises aloud to remind your soul of His faithfulness.
Celebrate His goodness daily, even for small blessings.

Joy does not erase pain, but it shifts the heart toward hope. Nehemiah told us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. So, continually cultivate the joy of the Lord for hope and strength in Him.

Our Greatest Need: God Himself

But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O Lord, do not delay. Psalm 70:5

David ended this Psalm with a statement of humility. He said, “I am poor and needy.” Without shame, he admitted his dependence on God. God never despises the cry of the humble.

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:17-18

After David humbly admitted his poor and needy state, he made a double declaration to God. Those two truths should also shine brightly for us.

God as Helper: He does not leave us alone in the battle. His presence sustains us, His wisdom guides us, and His power delivers us from all evil.
God as Savior: He rescues us from sin, despair, and eternal death through Christ.

When we pray, “O Lord, do not delay,” we echo David’s longing for God’s intervention and help. While God’s timing may test us, His delays never mean abandonment.

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3

Habakkuk said his vision would come to pass in God’s timing. When it comes to our needs, He will arrive exactly when His glory shines the brightest. So, be patient for God’s help, it’s coming.

Psalm 70 Gives Practical Wisdom Especially When We Need God’s Help

Pray urgently when trouble strikes. God hears even the shortest cry.
Trust God with justice. Release resentment and let Him handle wrongs.
Choose worship while waiting. Declare “God is great!” as you trust His plan.
Admit your needs daily. Humility invites God’s help and keeps pride away.

Lord, you know my needs before I speak them. Teach me to run to you first. Rescue me in your perfect time, help me trust your justice, and sing your praises even in trials.