Read Psalm 86:14-17. 14O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 15But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 16Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17Show 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.
Fourteen verses in we finally hear of David’s situation, insolent men have risen up against me, but there is not self-pity nor self-righteousness here, only a cry for God’s mercy and strength. David is doing the self-examination that each of us must learn to do in the midst of conflict with others – be gracious to me. But he is also doing the God-examination that we all must learn to do, reflecting on the nature of our God – But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
It is not difficult to put this prayer into the mouth of Jesus. Ruthless men sought his life too. He, the servant of God and the son of God’s maidservant needed God’s grace and strength to endure the cross. Ultimately the sign of God’s favor was Christ’s resurrection from the grave. Vindication came as Jesus’ spirit returned to his body and he walked out of that tomb.
This too is our sign of God’s favor resting upon us, our help and comfort, our union with the resurrection of Christ by the Holy Spirit. There is no other sign for the Christian. Nothing more to ask for than the Spirit of Christ living in us. There is no other pathway to the grace and strength of God that we share in his resurrection.
Ephesians 1:19-20. 19[That you may know] what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
To live is Christ is to know this great sign, this great power toward us who believe. The resurrection power that lives in us, allowing us to self-examine in times of trouble, rather than beg for a change of situation.
Prayer. Jesus, your resurrection power in me has made it possible for me to search my heart by your Spirit. I have nothing to fear with you. Fill me with your grace and strength. Amen.
To Live is Christ 