The cross is our sign of God’s help and comfort.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“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 86:17 English Standard Version

We have a love/hate relationship with signs. Some states, like Oregon and Colorado, do a good job of limiting signage along their highways and freeways. Other states use billboards to light up the night sky. Whether we love or hate these signs, we want them to give us clear direction, not a confusing message.

Eugene, Oregon

I find this pedestrian crossing sign interesting. It uses a mixture of words, pictures and sound. Two arrows make sure that we’re going in the right direction. Then, to go along with the words is a picture of person walking in the direction of the arrows. On top visual cues is an electronic voice that tells us when we can start moving.

King David was looking for a specific sign from God, a sign of God’s pleasure upon him.

Psalm 86 reflects David’s hope of vindication. His enemies want him dead, and so, he asks for a sign of God’s favor, of God’s goodness. David is confident in God’s goodness. He speaks of God’s help and comfort as already present in his life even though his enemies are nipping at his heels.

We don’t need to ask for a sign of God’s help and comfort. The sign hangs in homes and places of worship. We see this sign in buildings and nature. It is the sign of Jesus’ cross. God has helped and comforted us because his Son was in misery and helpless on his cross.

Look for the sign of the cross around you today. Let that sign remind you that God helps and comforts you as you face the difficulties of life.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner