The psalmist often worries that the Lord will confuse him with wicked people, as if God might overlook him. The fear has its emotional weight, but we should not take the idea too literally. The devout will use any trick or promise, hoping God will hear their pleas. God surely understands these human ways. Jesus was once pleased with the faith and quick wit of the Canaanite woman (Mt 15:26-28). We may also notice how the wicked can be mistaken for hypocrites—sometimes, we show politeness that isn’t charity. ‘One may smile and smile and yet be a villain.’
Those who complain about God’s silence but still believe can pray using this psalm. Jesus, in Mark 11:24, tells us, ‘Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it shall be done for you.’