PSALM 70: AFFLICTION WITH LONGEVITY

PSALM 70: AFFLICTION WITH LONGEVITY

The words “make haste” at the beginning and end form a literary device called “inclusio” to highlight the prominent theme of the Psalm. This theme takes our attention off the trial in question, for it is not even mentioned, and focuses on the longevity of the trial.

Suffering and longevity in suffering are in their own right two very acute trials. But the two together bring a compounded pain. The Christian in the midst of trials may have all the family and friend support possible and still feel alone in a world of friends if the Lord has not shown himself strong and if he does not feel that the Lord “thinks” on him (Ps. 40:17). The urgency of this prayer to “help” juxtaposed with “make haste” brings to bare the felt reality of moment by moment suffering; a moment longer will be too late.

That this Psalm is a duplicate of the latter part of Psalm 40 directs our attention to the fact that this is a recurring problem in the church of Christ. David could very well say with Paul (Philippians 3:1) as he writes this Psalm; ‘To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”

The protracted nature of the Christian’s suffering is often worse that the suffering or pain itself. It is as though the Lord has not heard the cries of pain. The megaphone of pain has brought the Lord’s message with clarity and we wonder why the Lord continues to work with us in this manner. Does He think we have not heard Him or did we learn what he would teach us. We begin to think like David here; why would the Lord not prove to the world that he is with us and on our side (Vs. 2), or why would he not allow our friends to rejoice with us (Vs. 4)?

The answer seems to be from this Psalm that the Lord is deepening our sense of dependence on him. If the load were lifted too soon the impression made by it would be too light. The impression, however made by protracted suffering is deep and distinct. Like a good trouser press the Lord often works on the principles of heat, pressure and time. The cries mentioned in this Psalm must be felt and felt deeply (“help,” “deliver,” “I am poor and needy”).