Trusting God is easy when all is well, but when we are on the edge emotions challenge truth. A dread of failure and shame can send us packing. An experience of refuge steadies us.
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. (Psalm 71:1)
There is no pretence here that terrible things never happen. We have all suffered shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness … for you are my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:2-3)
We don’t just need guidance to avoid traps. We need God in his righteousness and grace to rescue. We need him to be the foundation on which we stand; everything else will ultimately disappoint. We need him to be our fortress of protection from assaults by enemies- including from within.
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked … For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord. From birth I have relied on you… I will ever praise you (Psalm 71:4-6)
We grow up believing that powerful manipulators will win. Such fear keeps us from God, yet when we look back on our life with God, we see his rescue again and again. So, pressed in by strong people, on the edge, we can prayerfully go forwards in hope, praising in anticipation.
I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. (Psalm 71:7)
Some may reject us as a lightning rod for trouble, yet we stand firm on God our refuge.
adaringfaith 
Ultimately, this is a psalm of affirmation in the goodness of God’s deeds & his hand on my life … “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” v14
Hi Ian,
Yes, the psalm has an interesting arc.
It begins with the the writer being in trouble and asking God his hope to come and rescue him. Then v14, which you have brought up is at the high point of the arc. Here the writer affirms that deep down there is a solid hope that will not be moved by circumstances. Finally from v19 the writer goes forward in praise. He takes this certainty of hope and presents them to his challenging circumstances and says, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again.”