Psalm 70 Explained | Urgent Prayer, Humble Dependence, and Trusting God in Crisis

Is it wrong to ask God to hurry?

In this episode of Practical Advice from the Scriptures, we explore Psalm 70, a brief but urgent cry from David that captures the raw intensity of crisis prayer. The psalm opens without introduction or buildup: “Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD” (Psalm 70:1, KJV).

There is no polished language here. No extended reflection. Just urgency.

Psalm 70 reminds us that short, emotional prayers are not signs of weak faith. They are evidence of honest dependence. David does not pretend strength. He openly acknowledges vulnerability, asking God to intervene against those who seek his harm (Psalm 70:2–3). His desperation does not cancel his devotion.

In fact, the psalm holds urgency and worship together. Even in crisis, David declares: “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee” (Psalm 70:4, KJV). His situation is unstable, but his theology remains intact.

David concludes with a simple confession: “I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer” (Psalm 70:5, KJV). True spiritual strength is found not in self-sufficiency, but in acknowledging need.

If you are in a season where you cannot find elaborate words… where your prayer feels more like a plea than a sermon… Psalm 70 offers reassurance. God hears urgent cries. He is not offended by your desperation. He invites it.