Verse seven shows us the shame of idolaters - all those who trust not in our God and King. Another whole group of secular carolers sported bright shiney noses and furry collars to demonstrate their elvish devotion. At one place of employment an administrator announced that anyone who didn't stand up and sing secular carols shouldn't get their pay check. By contrast, verse eight shows us the joy of all those who belong to the Lord and the psalmist tells us not to worry because our Lord is the Most High over all the earth. Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
Please understand that there is no promise here against casualties on the way. No, in this life's struggles between the kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of our Christ there are casualties enough and more. However, the Lord here does promise that our spiritual lives are indeed guarded and at long last we may escape from the hand of the wicked into the light of the eternal presence. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. You see, the experience of this psalm has also been the experience of our Lord Jesus Christ.