Psalm 70 (NRSV)
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Verse 1Be pleased, O God, to deliver me. O Lord, make haste to help me!
Verse 2Let those be put to shame and confusion who seek my life. Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire to hurt me.
Verse 3Let those who say, "Aha, Aha!" turn back because of their shame.
Verse 4Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say evermore, "God is great!"
Verse 5But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!
Devotion
Our three-year-old grandson stayed overnight with us a few weeks ago and in the middle of the night he cried out. When answered him, he said: “Papa, I heard a scary noise!” It was turning cold outside and the house had creaked. That night Trey needed assurance that things were going to be okay—that he was safe and not alone. And, he needed assurance immediately, not in the morning.
In the bigger scheme of things, so it is with all of us. In the darkness of this world and scary noises, we too need to hear a word of assurance. “You are my help and deliverer, O Lord, do not delay.”
Whether walking through the valley of the shadow of death or out in the desert facing the trials and temptations of life, our Lord shares this promise: “I am with you always, to the end of time.”
Prayer
Thank you, Lord for hearing my cry and for the assurance that I am not alone. Amen.