Psalm 86:17 ESV
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.
Some seasons of life feel as though you are on the winning team, yet somehow still losing. There are days when it seems like those walking the broad road are thriving, while you are trudging down the narrow road. It feels even harder when your enemies delight in watching you go through your challenges.
The psalmist here implores God to show him favor that is evident. It sounds similar to our cries, “Lord, let me just see a sign of Your favor, so not only will I know that You are working on my behalf, but my enemies will also see and understand Your power and favour at work in my life.”
Your situation may not look like it right now, but God’s favour surrounds you like a shield. Psalm 5:12 tells us, “For You, O Lord, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favour as with a shield.” A shield offers protection so strong that you can bravely walk into any battle, knowing that nothing you face is beyond God’s strength.
Our God is a good Father who delights in helping His children. According to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” God’s comfort becomes the very testimony we could use to strengthen others.
