Come Quickly to Me, O God – Psalm 70

This psalm depicts a perilous situation where the Psalmist’s life is under threat. It vividly portrays the image of a boy sprinting home to escape bullies, desperately knocking on the door to get inside. Similarly, people in the world often experience moments of urgent escape from others once their true intentions are revealed. When pursued by evildoers intent on harm, we may struggle to decide where to turn. This psalm teaches us that the best and safest refuge is God.

Hasten, O God, to Save Me

Hasten, O God, to save me;
come quickly, LORD, to help me.
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.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.- Psalms 70:1-3 (NIV)

God gave His only Son to redeem us when our sins had matured to bring death. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of all humanity, and His Father was pleased to save Him along with His brothers and sisters. God did this of His own accord, as no one realized they were perishing, and no one was calling on God for salvation. Yet, God sent His Son to save us from eternal death.

Despite this gracious act of God, people often do not call upon Him to save them from the devil, who chases them like a lion seeking to devour. However, they do not hesitate to call on God to save them from visible enemies and their tangible threats. When the servant of Elisha saw an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city, he was fearful because his focus was on worldly things, and he could not perceive God’s presence. Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” The LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:17).

Where do we stand? Are we still fixated on the world, or are we turning our gaze towards God? Isn’t it better to remain in His presence continually, rather than wandering away and then rushing back to Him or asking Him to come to our aid?

David expected God to confuse and disgrace his enemies. God confused the army of Aram, leading them to the king of Israel inside Samaria. However, God did not disgrace them; instead, He set a table before them. The king of Israel prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. This is how we should deal with our enemies (Matthew 5:44). At the same time, we must be aware of the devil, who is always trying to lead us to hell, and we must resist him.

Our Redeemer

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!” 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. – Psalms 70:4-5 (NIV)

The Psalmist understood well the truth that God saves everyone (Romans 10:13). He expected those who seek God’s help to declare that the Lord is great. However, this often doesn’t happen because once their needs are met, people forget that the help came from God and attribute it to other things. Only those in whom the Holy Spirit dwells are able to acknowledge their blessings come from God. In Ephesians 5:18-20, Paul urges everyone to be filled with the Spirit and give thanks to God.

This Psalm begins with “hasten” and ends with “do not delay,” reflecting an urgent and ongoing need for a Savior. The Psalmist humbly acknowledged his dire need for God. Who in this world doesn’t need God? While everyone needs God, only a few realize this truth.

Unlike in David’s time, God has forgiven all sinners through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus, saving us all from eternal death. God has given His Spirit to us to safeguard our salvation until we attain eternity (Ephesians 1:13–14; Ephesians. 4:30; 2 Corinthians. 1:21-22; 1 Peter. 1:5). In today’s context, God’s children don’t need to call on Him for rescue; instead, they should realize that God’s Spirit dwells within them (1 John 4:4).

Father God, help us realize that Your Spirit is within us and to understand Your greatness. Open our eyes to see that our trials and tribulations are insignificant to You. Moreover, make us holy as the One who dwells in us is holy.