When Praying, "But," is Beautiful
Professor Joshua Chamberlain was out of his element. As portrayed in the movie Gettysburg, the novice at soldiering was summoned by his commanding officer. Chamberlain figured he might need to explain his decision the day before to order an anachronistic bayonet charge against superior numbers – even though it worked. Instead, he found headquarters noticeably relaxed. His decision was celebrated for its results. Since no fighting was expected in the day ahead, the tone was conversational, inching on an optimistic arc.
That wasn't good enough for Chamberlain. "My men need a meal, sir," the just commissioned Colonel spoke directly to instruct his superior, unlike Chamberlain a seasoned military professional, "and ammunition. We are out." The commanding general was just as blunt. Turning, he delegated, "See to Col. Chamberlain's request." And it was done. A pervading air of optimism met the specifics of individual need. Logistical advantages, the moment before theoretical and potentially embittering to those fighting on the front lines, were suddenly translated into actual provision.
Psalm 70 takes something of the same turn. David is respectful, worshipful in the fourth verse. This is no commanding general he is addressing, but the First Cause sure to bend time and space to His own ultimate purposes. "Let all those who seek You," David generalizes, "rejoice and be glad in You. And with those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified!"' David likes the look of the big picture. He discerns the trends, and God's people have reason to be contagious in public, theological optimism.
Sweet as the reflective revelry is, I like the, "but," that begins Psalm 70:4 at least as much. The reader can almost pick up on David's throat clearing between the two verses for the moment he and Col. Chamberlain have in common. "But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay." David can consider the sweeping implications of God's glory, and still ask for the small and specific which is crucial from a human point of view. Note the first person God has emboldened him to use, and then endorsed by preserving it in His Word right alongside reflections of the Divine Character. David stands on holy ground to insist, "I am poor and needy," "Make haste to ME," and to call on God, all of Him Who spans from age to age, as "MY help," and MY deliverer."
Charles Spurgeon rests here also in his nightly installment of Morning and Evening for April 29. Drawing from the theology of Psalm 149:4, "The Lord takes pleasure in His people," Spurgeon is ecstatic. "How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of his people's Interest which He does not consider, and there is nothing which concerns their welfare which is not important to him." Lest we missed the continuity Spurgeon covers, he is explicit. "Not merely does He think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a mortal being too. Do not deny or doubt it:'The very hairs of your head are numbered.' 'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in His way.' Spurgeon concludes, as will we, "Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your meaner affairs."
That wasn't good enough for Chamberlain. "My men need a meal, sir," the just commissioned Colonel spoke directly to instruct his superior, unlike Chamberlain a seasoned military professional, "and ammunition. We are out." The commanding general was just as blunt. Turning, he delegated, "See to Col. Chamberlain's request." And it was done. A pervading air of optimism met the specifics of individual need. Logistical advantages, the moment before theoretical and potentially embittering to those fighting on the front lines, were suddenly translated into actual provision.
Psalm 70 takes something of the same turn. David is respectful, worshipful in the fourth verse. This is no commanding general he is addressing, but the First Cause sure to bend time and space to His own ultimate purposes. "Let all those who seek You," David generalizes, "rejoice and be glad in You. And with those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified!"' David likes the look of the big picture. He discerns the trends, and God's people have reason to be contagious in public, theological optimism.
Sweet as the reflective revelry is, I like the, "but," that begins Psalm 70:4 at least as much. The reader can almost pick up on David's throat clearing between the two verses for the moment he and Col. Chamberlain have in common. "But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay." David can consider the sweeping implications of God's glory, and still ask for the small and specific which is crucial from a human point of view. Note the first person God has emboldened him to use, and then endorsed by preserving it in His Word right alongside reflections of the Divine Character. David stands on holy ground to insist, "I am poor and needy," "Make haste to ME," and to call on God, all of Him Who spans from age to age, as "MY help," and MY deliverer."
Charles Spurgeon rests here also in his nightly installment of Morning and Evening for April 29. Drawing from the theology of Psalm 149:4, "The Lord takes pleasure in His people," Spurgeon is ecstatic. "How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of his people's Interest which He does not consider, and there is nothing which concerns their welfare which is not important to him." Lest we missed the continuity Spurgeon covers, he is explicit. "Not merely does He think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a mortal being too. Do not deny or doubt it:'The very hairs of your head are numbered.' 'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in His way.' Spurgeon concludes, as will we, "Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your meaner affairs."
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