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Psalm 40:11-17  

Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, LORD; come quickly, LORD, to help me. May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.

Sometimes we need to be patient and wait on the Lord. And…sometimes our prayer is urgent. If God delays, we are done.

Today’s passage is an urgent prayer. David is surrounded by troubles, some caused by his own sin. His situation is so overwhelming he cannot see; he does not know what to do next. His heart is failing. He is in great need. And…time is running out. God is his only way out. David’s prayer is an urgent plea, “You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.”

Can you relate? The sickness is taking over. The rent is due. The divorce papers are being filed. The bad decision is being made. Today is a time of urgent prayer.

O God, You are God and time is in Your hands. But You also set the clock in motion and You know I am running out of time. So I am praying Your word to You. I am poor and needy; don’t forget about me. You are my only help and way out. You are my God. Please, Father, do not delay! In Jesus’ name. Amen.