Show Me a Sign of Your Favor – Psalm 86:7-17

It is a sign of our frailty of faith that we are often unsure of God’s favor toward us, even though, as Paul taught us, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)  But we are in good company in asking for a sign.

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.  All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.  For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.  Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.  I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me;  you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.  But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.  Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.  Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.  (Psalm 86:7-17 ESV)

In our times of trouble it is good to confess the truth about God, that there is none like Him, indeed He alone is God.  He made all the nations and can do wondrous things.  In that reality is another, that I am still not all I should be in regards to who God is.  So I ask Him to teach me His way so I can walk in truth.  I confess the truth of who He is, but I need to walk in it as well.  Then I give thanks to Him with my whole heart for His steadfast love.  I should not doubt it.  If any now oppose me I leave them to God, the merciful and gracious One, and ask for a sign of His favor.