THERE are spiritual experiences and providential circumstances which are of such a nature in the view of those who are taught by the Holy Spirit, that unless aid is afforded speedily which will prove adequate, then increased adversity, loss and misery must inevitably ensue, in one way or another. David, for instance, records in the psalms time and again, that his troubles were such that he had to cry, “O Lord, make haste to help me” (Ps. xl, 13). And although Psalm xl is one which is largely Messianic, yet the experience of the child of God is portrayed therein also. David further prays, “Make no tarrying, O my God” (Ps. lx, 17). We find almost similar petitions in Psalm lxx, 5, and Psalm lxxi, 12. Believers have their own trying and formidable experiences which cause them to turn to the Lord in the frame of heart and mind expressed in these brief and urgent cries.
David relates in Psalm xl that his iniquities bore heavily upon him and had taken hold upon him, so that he was not able to look up; they were more than the hairs of his head, “Therefore my heart faileth,” he says (verse 12). No doubt, the sense he had of the evils of his own corrupt nature and what proceeded therefrom of sin, was sapping the strength and comfort he had enjoyed in the ways and worship of God. Then he was faced with those who wished him evil and desired his hurt, and scoffed at him saying, “Aha, aha” (Ps. xl, 15; Ps. lxx, 2). These enemies said, “God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him” (Ps. lxxi, 11); and truly there is here the language of a King Saul, an Absalom and a Shemei, etc., who were avowed enemies of the anointed of the Lord, of those who feared God and had an interest in His covenant favour. But read how David was led to draw upon the Covenant kindness and care the Lord had for him: “Yet the Lord thinketh upon me” (Ps. xl, 17). Sin, wicked men and Satan would destroy him; but the Lord whose eyes are upon the righteous had thoughts of love and peace towards him. And it was well for the Psalmist to be directed to think upon the Lord and to turn without delay to Him whom he describes thus: “Thou art my help and my deliverer” (Ps. xl, 17). And the Lord in bestowing upon him this precious exercise of soul, had in this itself hastened to his servant’s aid.
Then in a somewhat different line of things, we read of the children of Israel at Mispeh saying to Samuel, “Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines” (I Sam. vii, 8). The situation was serious and Israel recognised their danger, confronted as they were by powerful enemies. Samuel immediately cried unto the Lord for Israel, because speedy aid from heaven was essential if disaster was not to overtake them. And the Lord did make haste to deliver them that same day.
Again, when Hezekiah was sick unto death and was informed by the prophet, ‘Thou shalt die and not live’ (Isaiah xxxviii, 1, etc.), he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord. He sought successfully, in the divine mercy, for speedy help and healing from the Lord, and soon heard the comforting message, “Behold I will add unto thy days fifteen years.” The king who was dying was soon on his feet again blessing and praising the Most High for hastening to his aid in providence and spiritually. “The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day” (verse 19). So declared Hezekiah.
There are many such instances which may be cited, where the prayer of God’s people was in effect: “O Lord, make haste to help me.” But suffice to state now that down through the ages, they have experienced betimes, a fear and trembling in face of sharp temptations, unusual trials and sore afflictions; along with which a keen sense of their own impotence has borne in upon them the recognition of the fact that there was no time to be lost in seeking immediate aid from above.
Confer not with flesh and blood is suitable counsel
for the believer to take where the situation, spiritually, or providentially, is too serious and urgent to be faced without divine help from “The Hope of Israel and the Saviour thereof in time of trouble.” “I am poor and needy,” exclaims David; and so the believing sinner feels himself to be and without help of man at all. And, “Without me ye can do nothing,” says the Lord Jesus Christ.
God alone can be a very present help in trouble.
And the tried believer, when requiring speedy help and deliverance has none other to cry to but the God of his salvation; who is near to His people and a mighty and a merciful deliverer, having all the resources of grace and providence wherewith to meet desperate straits and dangers in a moment. And accordingly God has thus acted, times without number, in the behalf of His people, and for the sake of His only Son, Jesus Christ.
It is not undue boldness on the part of the believer to call upon God to make haste to help.
The Word of God directs to come boldly to the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need. And the spirit of adoption in exercise in believing souls does embolden such in a gracious manner, to call upon God, through the Mediator, to hasten to their aid, consistently with His divine will and wisdom. It has been said that “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” God, when He hears and answers speedily, exalts Himself and also gives signal reason to His people to honour and bless His holy name. “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. cxxiv, 8).