Psalm 70:4 – “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!’”
Psalm 70:4 offers a contrast to the cries for help that fill the earlier verses of this psalm. Here, David shifts his focus to those who seek God with hearts full of faith. This verse captures the joy and hope that come from pursuing God and trusting in His salvation. It’s a call to celebrate God’s goodness and greatness, especially in the face of life’s hardships.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, David is asking God to bless those who are actively seeking Him, hoping they will find joy and gladness in their relationship with Him. The verse also invites those who long for God’s help to declare His greatness, even before they receive an answer. This act of faith reflects a deep trust in God’s character, knowing that He is worthy of praise regardless of circumstances.
David’s words remind believers that seeking God brings joy and fulfillment. Even when we face challenges, the pursuit of God leads to a deep and abiding gladness. David encourages a focus not on the trials themselves but on God’s greatness and His faithful care. This verse invites believers to lift their eyes above their troubles and find joy in God’s presence and character.
Historical Context
David wrote many of the psalms during times of hardship, and this psalm is no different. Although he often faced danger and enemies, David continually turned to God with confidence and hope. Israel’s history was filled with moments when they cried out for deliverance, but it was also a history of celebrating God’s faithfulness and power.
David’s call for others to find joy in seeking God likely resonated deeply with the Israelites. Worship was a central part of their identity, and they understood that God was the source of their salvation. The communal nature of worship in ancient Israel meant that David’s call for people to say “The Lord is great!” was likely seen as a shared declaration of faith and trust in God’s power and goodness.
Theological Implications
Psalm 70:4 reveals several important truths about the nature of seeking God. First, it shows that seeking God is not a chore but a source of joy and gladness. In a relationship with God, we find real fulfillment and happiness that isn’t dependent on our circumstances. David’s words remind believers that God’s presence alone can bring satisfaction and peace.
The verse also points to the importance of proclaiming God’s greatness. Faith in God isn’t meant to be hidden; it’s meant to be shared and celebrated. Declaring “The Lord is great!” reinforces the believer’s understanding that God is above all circumstances and worthy of praise, no matter what we face.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 70:4 stands out within the psalm because it shifts from a tone of urgency and distress to one of joy and celebration. David’s words in this verse are a reminder that even in times of trouble, there’s space for praise and joy. The contrast highlights the strength of David’s faith—he doesn’t ignore his pain, but he also doesn’t allow it to overshadow his view of God’s greatness.
The phrase “The Lord is great!” serves as a powerful declaration within this verse, anchoring the psalm in a statement of faith and reverence. This refrain is not just a passive thought but an active affirmation of God’s goodness, inviting the reader to join in the proclamation.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 40:16 – “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!’” This verse, nearly identical to Psalm 70:4, reinforces the theme of joy in seeking God and proclaiming His greatness.
- Psalm 34:3 – “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” This verse echoes the idea of communal praise and highlights the importance of magnifying God’s name in unity.
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus teaches that seeking God brings a blessing that meets our deepest needs, reinforcing David’s message about the joy of seeking God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 70:4 is a reminder to look to God as our source of joy, even during difficult times. Life can be challenging, and there will be moments when we feel weighed down by struggles. But this verse encourages us to keep seeking God and to find joy in knowing that He is with us. By declaring “The Lord is great!” we are reminded to focus on God’s character and promises rather than on our challenges.
The verse also calls Christians to be people of praise, openly celebrating God’s greatness. This isn’t only for our own encouragement; it can be a powerful witness to those around us. When others see our faith in God and our joy even in trials, it speaks to the strength and hope that come from a relationship with Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 70:4 highlights God’s love by showing that He wants to be known, sought, and celebrated by His people. God invites us to seek Him, not as an act of obligation, but as a source of genuine joy. His love is reflected in the fact that we can come to Him with all our needs and desires and find true happiness in His presence.
God’s love is also shown in His desire to help and save. David encourages those “who long for your saving help” to find hope in God’s greatness, trusting in His power and care. This verse reminds us that God’s heart is to draw near to those who seek Him, offering comfort, strength, and joy.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus in its emphasis on seeking God and finding joy in Him. Jesus Himself called people to seek God with their whole hearts, teaching that He came to bring us abundant life (John 10:10). Jesus’s life and ministry were filled with moments of joy, celebration, and worship, and He invites us to experience that same joy through a relationship with Him.
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as our Savior and Redeemer, fulfilling the longings of all who seek God’s help. When we declare “The Lord is great!” we’re also acknowledging that Jesus, God in the flesh, has made a way for us to know and experience God personally. Philippians 4:4 encourages believers to “Rejoice in the Lord always,” echoing the joy David speaks of in Psalm 70:4. Through Jesus, we have even greater reason to rejoice in God and celebrate His greatness.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to “seek” God in your own life? How can you prioritize seeking Him daily?
- How does Psalm 70:4 encourage you to find joy in God, even when facing hardships?
- Why is it important to declare “The Lord is great!” during both good and challenging times?
- How does knowing God as a source of joy change your perspective on difficult circumstances?
- In what ways does this verse help you understand Jesus’s invitation to experience abundant life?
Psalm 70:4 reminds us that our faith is not only about enduring hardship but also about celebrating the joy and hope we find in God. Seeking Him brings gladness, and declaring His greatness gives strength to our hearts and witnesses to others. No matter the season, God’s greatness is a foundation we can trust and rejoice in.