All who hate me whisper together about me;
they imagine the worst for me.
They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;
he will not rise again from where he lies.”
Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
But you, O LORD, be gracious to me,
and raise me up, that I may repay them!
By this I know that you delight in me:
my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
and set me in your presence forever.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.
Comment: This is all written in the present tense. In the first half David is apparently ill, and maybe even near death. His enemies and even his previous friend(s) are strongly and vocally against him. Suddenly he cries out to God for recovery so that he may get his own back on his enemies. A very human response but it doesn’t seem very godly! Then he turns back to seeing God in focus. He sees God as able to see and assess character (his integrity) and gives God His place as constantly faithful and praises Him. It is not easy, but very empowering, to have the correct perspective of God!
(This is the end of the first book of the five books of Psalms. I will rest from writing on the Psalms for a period, but continue in Acts and Genesis.)
Prayer: Teach me to praise You daily, O my God.
As I read it! 