7 I have been as a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge. – Is David saying to people (enemies or people in general) look at me and be staggered by what God has done to and through me?
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
and with your glory all the day.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
forsake me not when my strength is spent. –This is a mild boast spoken by David to God and seems offered as if he should be looked after in his old age by God, because he has earned God’s protection. Do we ever earn the blessings which God pours out on us? I think that the answer is a yes/no answer. God is gracious but we are responsible for our behaviour!
10 For my enemies speak concerning me;
those who watch for my life consult together
11 and say, “God has forsaken him;
pursue and seize him,
for there is none to deliver him.” – This is probably absolutely true. It is seems as if David wrote this psalm when he was passed his prime, (the time of old age) and no doubt there were plenty of contenders who thought a lot about sitting on David’s throne! And not everyone is conscious of God’s blessing on others or even themselves! Read the Biblical historical books!
12 O God, be not far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!
13 May my accusers be put to shame and consumed;
with scorn and disgrace may they be covered
who seek my hurt.
14 But I will hope continually
and will praise you yet more and more. – a pleading prayer, but absolutely true and honest! He sounds a bit vindictive in asking God to shatter his enemies in scorn and disgrace rather than praying for God to open their eyes to what God has for them in the future! Can you remember a prayer of Jesus which sounded like this? Please let me know if you can! He spoke honestly, but the sort of prayer that I remember is, ‘Forgive them for don’t know what they are doing’
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
of your deeds of salvation all the day,
for their number is past my knowledge.
16 With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;
I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. – Will David’s loud, truthful proclamation of God’s goodness be a ‘portent’ to those hearing His active Praise to God, awakening them to the realities of life?
Matt 5:15-16 – Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Prayer: Help me to not lose ‘my saltiness’ or to fail to keep my lamp burning brightly for You!
As I read it! 