This Psalm uses a strong literary style to convey David’s prayer for deliverance.
“Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.” (v2) David opens with a pretty tentative request, in the hopes that God will have favor on him.
“My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.” (v5) In verses 3-5, David states his case for how he has been obedient and listened to God’s leading in his life.
“Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” (v7) In verses 6-9 David describes God as one who offers protection to those who seek it.
“They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.” (v12) In verses 10-12 David describes the behaviors of the enemies who are trying to destroy him.
“Rise up, Lord, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked.” (v13) In verses 13-14 David (poetically) pleads for deliverance from his enemies.
“As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” (v15) Despite opening with a tentative plea, David closes his prayer with a future perfect statement (ie. something that will definitely happen). This seems to indicate that David gained confidence between the beginning and end of his prayer.
This prayer has a progressive style: it starts out timid, slowly (re)builds self-confidence, reminds/reassures oneself of who God is, describes the challenge at hand, requests abundant deliverance, then concludes in an authoritative and decisive manner.
My prayer for today is that I too will continue learning how to build confidence, not in myself, but in the one true God who protects the innocent (and the vindicated) and delivers us from external enemies, as well as internal ones (sin influence). I am quite timid/tentative sometimes, though I can remain confident that the God whom we worship will deliver us from whatever it is we are facing. Remember: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex 14:13a,14)
~ Conqueror in Training