A Need For A Good Token

"Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me." (Psalm 86: 17 KJV)

"Shew me a token for good, may be rendered "make me a sign for good." Weiss paraphrases it, "make of me such a sign or monument of good that all my enemies may be arrested by it, and be daunted at injuring a man so assisted by the Lord." ("The Treasury of David" by C.H. Spurgeon)

Faith often calls on the Lord for "evidences" or "signs" ('tokens') of his good will towards us, for faith is often assailed by doubts. Faith needs fresh strengthening and renewed illumination to stay strong, ardent, and vibrant.

God's people should pray for such visible manifestations of God's approval. They should seek divine confirmation. As God seeks "proofs," as it were, of our love for him, so likewise do his people seek proofs and evidences of God's love. How merciful is God to answer such prayers when faith is assailed with doubts and fears!