Psalm 70:1-5
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
“Make haste, O God, to
deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be
turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt. Let them be turned back for a reward of their
shame that say, Aha, aha.” (Psalm 70:1-3)
Humans have an awareness of time that has been amplified as
society and technology have made life more complex. David had struggled with constant accusations
by Saul and his followers until sometimes he felt it would never end. He is praying that God would act quickly on
his behalf, turning the accusations against those who were making them, and
leaving them with nothing to say. He sked
that they would be forced to withdraw their charges and embarrassed to admit
they were false.
“Let all those that
seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say
continually, Let God be magnified.” (Psalm 70:4)
One of David’s ongoing concerns was that those who believed
in God would be encouraged rather than discouraged by what happened in David’s
life. Here he prays that they would see
God’s protection and deliverance and sing God’s praises again.
“But I am poor and
needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD,
make no tarrying.” (Psalm 70:5)
It is hard to encourage others to trust God and give thanks
for their problems when you are struggling yourself. David was needing encouragement himself, and
asks that God would respond without delay, so that his own unease would not
affect other people. Leaders struggle
with many of the same difficulties as their followers, but because they are in
the public eye, their reactions tend to affect more people, and good leaders
are concerned about what the effect will be.
There are times when it is hard and lonely being a leader, knowing one’s
responsibility for setting an example.
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