Psalm 70

Read Psalm 70 ESV

Who - David talking to God and making it a choir song for public worship.  

What - David is in dire straits and needs God to deliver him.  This is a psalm of petition, a strong and desperate plea to God.

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - David sees his situation as one in which only God can help.  Perhaps he is at his wits end.

How - This short psalm only has two stanzas.  David uses the first stanza to make his requests for help and asks God to act against his oppressors specifically.  David does not give details of his enemies’ actions as in most psalms, just what he wants God to do.  The second stanza is the request to God for the faithful and righteous ones.  David asked that all who hope in the LORD’S salvation and fellowship enjoy it.  But David reminds the LORD he is not there yet.  The “but” is almost a “for,” a purpose clause. David asks the LORD to deliver him so he may enjoy the LORD’S salvation and fellowship.  David closes with the same urgent plea as he opened with:  for the LORD’S deliverance.

So What 

1. It is acceptable and right for us to communicate the desperateness and urgency of our need to the LORD.  Yes the LORD knows all about our situation and has already decided what he will do and when he will do it.  Still, He wants us to express the urgency we feel. Why?  Perhaps the more urgent the need for his salvation is felt, the more we realize we can't save ourselves and must have His help.  It is good for us to say to the LORD, “I am poor and needy.” (vs 5)  
2. We should expect to rejoice and be glad when we seek the LORD, even if our situation is difficult. (vs 4)  Why?  Because His presence and fellowship will lighten the weight we carry to Him.