Like Psalm 69, the need is high and the water threatens the life (Psalm 69:1). Because of that, this Psalm has an SOS character, the 911 emergency number is called (Psalm 70:1). The prayers are short and powerful, without repetition of words, something you don't have time for in a time of desperate need. Several times a cry for help is heard: "Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD." (v. 1); "make haste unto me, O God" (v. 5) and "O LORD, make no tarrying." (v. 5).
It is not the highest type of faith which is revealed, but we are profoundly thankful to find such a song in this great book of inspired poetry. Rightly or wrongly, we often come to just such places of doubt. No doubt exists either of God's ability, or of His interest in and love for us. But, is He not trying us beyond the power of our endurance? He is not! Although for moments of terrible tension it may seem as though He were. Here is a Psalm for such days or hours. Let us take it and use it, knowing that He would far rather have in our song an expression of an honest questioning than any affectation of a confidence not possessed. Moreover, He would rather have from us such a song than silence.
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