Human beings are divided in various ways over which we have no control. Gender and race, the physical characteristics that form us, are in God’s hands. There are some things, though, that we choose to do or not do, be or not be. Those things really affect our lives, happiness, and our future. In Psalm 70, some mock people of faith and have no interest in God. They are antagonistic toward them. Then some love the Lord and say, “Let God be magnified.”
Part of Psalm 40 was used to compose Psalm 70 and to be sung in the temple, so that those who heard the singers would listen to these words and take them personally, as they related to who they were, where they were, and what was happening to them. In David’s own words, these words were a prayer for deliverance. “Help me” now, “Deliver me” now, I will praise Thee now, Help and deliver me now, are the themes of the Lord’s people who find themselves constantly under pressure to conform to the ways of unbelievers around them.
The effect of God’s deliverance and salvation on those who opposed God’s people and “seek my life” prompted the psalmist to pray that they would be put to shame, confusion, and disgrace. People may disappoint us even though we have trusted them, and when they threaten us because we disagree with them, we may feel very rejected. When that happens, it is like something important, even vital, has been lost to us. If we are not careful to focus on God, our spirits may be crushed, and our spiritual life and vitality may become diminished. We can’t help what others do, but we do have control over how we respond and what we do.
When fear causes panic and loss, our prayers need to include words of praise lest we direct our attention to what is wrong and what happened rather than to our Lord, what is right, and who He is. “Let God be exalted” are words of praise that can and should accompany any situation, whether good or bad.
The effect of God’s deliverance and salvation on those who “seek the Lord” is rejoicing, gladness, and praise. The inborn attitude of those who love the Lord is expressed in the words, “Let God be magnified.” God never changes, even though we may get distracted and forget His grace and mercy. Even though we may never see the conclusion of a cause of concern, worship and praise will keep us from taking God for granted.
The effect of God’s deliverance and salvation on the psalmist should be the same on us, ‘The Lord is great.” How true that is when we look back over the past and present of our lives. If it is valid until now, it is reasonable to be assured that His greatness will never diminish in the future – even toward us. His desire was for God to be magnified, which should be the same with us. It should have a positive effect on all we do and say. His salvation, His help, is sure and influential on our behalf.
We can understand the sense of urgency in both the first and last verses of this psalm. He wanted God to hurry to his aid. He was in a state of mind that something was going to happen that needed the power of God to overcome. The fact that this was part of the liturgy of the temple lets us know that the state of mind and heart that affects one person at some point is experienced in everyone.
PSALM 70
HELP ME NOW v.1. Help me now v.2-3. Deliver me now v.4-5. I will praise Thee now v.1, 5. Help and deliver me now