Once again, the psalmist calls for urgent help.
12O God, do not be far from me. O my God, make haste to help me!
Time is running out for him because he refers to old age advancing,
9Do not cast me off in the time of old age. Do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
I have some idea what that feels like. It was easier, a lot easier to shrug off the devices of the “wicked” for as they say, time would tell. Now as I get older, the question does lurk somewhere as to whether my “enemies” schemes (if I nay use the psalmist’s language) will outlast me.
Of course, I shouldn’t think that way, not when, even so often, God has delivered all the proof I need that God is on my side.
But when, like the psalmist you discover that you are an object (or subject) of disdain” 7I have been like a portent to many”. You really pray for a turnaround. That’s what he’s doing.
While his prayers for vindication sound more like wishes for the destruction of the ones against him,
13Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed. Let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
It may well be that we only need to walk a short mile in the sufferer’s shoes to understand such a plight.
As they say, the one who feels it knows it.! That’s why, while I’m uncomfortable with the sufferer’s pleas, I understand where he is coming from
And it’s only after you’ve got stuff like that off your chest, is your foggy brain and hurting heart placed to see and to say.
23My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have rescued. 24All day long my tongue will talk of your righteous help,