David, a man after God’s own heart, was human like the rest of us. Even though he knew he would be king or already was king, he still went through periods of time when he felt abandoned by friends and subjects. In verse 1, David asked for God’s help and he wanted it quickly. He wanted these disloyal people to feel the same humiliation and shame. Why did David feel this way? Because they “take delight in my trouble” and say “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
There are always people who pretend to be very good but are more than willing to talk about mistakes others make. They may even make up things just to put others down. They forget what God says about gossip. (Ref: Romans 1:29). David handled this situation by asking God to come to his aid at the beginning and end of this psalm. He acknowledged his need and reminded himself that God was his helper and savior putting his trust in Him.
In verse 4, David prays for other believers, “But may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You. May those who love Your salvation repeatedly shout, “GOD IS GREAT!” Wow, I have never heard a church service start with a chant. I have heard chants for athletic games, musical concerts, and theater encores. Why is it we can get excited about those activities but not worship? Maybe every church should start with a chant; Psalm 50 says that our worship and our praise is what God wants most from us.