Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Scripture

“You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” Psalm 70:5b

Reflections

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor and theologian who was imprisoned and executed by the Nazis.  In one of his letters from prison he wrote, “One of my predecessors here has scribbled over the cell door, ‘In 100 years it will all be over.’”

There are moments in each of our lives when the words of Psalm 70 could easily be our own words; “Be pleased, O God, to deliver me.  O Lord, make haste to help me!”  We lament our current situation.  We yearn to see those who have done us wrong shamed and dishonored.  We feel poor and needy.  We look to God to deliver us.

Psalm 70 provides us with a scriptural basis for lament, for airing our grievances, voicing our anger and for asking for help.  It also comes to us as a reminder that we might not receive an immediate answer.

Sandwiched in the middle of this rather sobering psalm, we find the words, “Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say evermore, ‘God is great!’”  All hope is not lost.  A new day will come.

Even as we look around, Psalm 70 can serve as a reminder.  We are not alone.  Who around us is living in a moment where the words of this psalm may be their own?

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the promise of a new day.  I look to you as my help and deliverer.  Use me to help deliver others in their distress.  O Lord, do not delay!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 70