Psalms 70:5

Psalms 70:5

This verse returns to the speaker’s personal need—“But I am poor and needy.” It maintains the Psalmist’s honest lament while turning to God as the sole source of help and deliverance. The plea, “make haste unto me, O God,” echoes the opening cry in verse 1, creating a bookend of urgent reliance. The repetition emphasizes vulnerability and dependency. The line “thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying” conveys a confident trust that God can rescue, yet a felt expectation that God will not delay indefinitely. It also contrasts the psalmist’s poverty with God’s abundant ability, highlighting the truth that divine strength is most evident in weakness.

This verse highlights a core biblical paradox: God’s strength is revealed in human weakness, and deliverance is rooted in divine grace rather than human merit. It reinforces the intimate relationship between creator and creature in prayer—God is not distant but intimately involved in the daily struggles of the faithful. The cry for no delay connects to eschatological hopes as well: the faithful live with an ongoing expectation of God’s timely intervention, which shapes endurance and trust across generations.

For readers today, this verse invites a posture of humble dependence. In moments of financial strain, health challenges, or career uncertainty, a practical response is to articulate needs clearly to God and trusted community, then live with patient, active faith—continuing to serve, work, and love even as you wait. It can also encourage practical steps: seek help from mentors, counselors, or support networks; set small, actionable goals while trusting God for broader deliverance. The verse invites gratitude for small mercies in the moment and fosters resilience by recalling God’s past faithfulness.

Cross-References: Psalm 28:7; Psalm 40:17; Psalm 86:1-7; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10