Have you ever cried out to God and said, “Lord, are you there? Are you listening? Do you see the pain I am going through?” I’ve been in that difficult place many times over the years and I read a helpful verse that is now underlined in my Bible. It’s Psalm 86:17 and it says, “Lord, give me a token of good that those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.”
Do you remember the story of Ruth who, at the suggestion of her mother in law Naomi, went to glean in the wheat field belonging to Boaz (a relative of Naomi)? When Boaz saw her he told his workers to leave “handfuls on purpose” for Ruth to glean.
There have been days I have needed a tangible hug from God. I needed a “token of good” or a “handful on purpose” from His hand to assure me that He was there and that He cared for me and my need. He never failed to send just what I needed whether it was a note of encouragement from a friend, a loaf of bread from a neighbor, a phone call, a warm smile from a stranger or perhaps a visit from a friend who “just happened” to say words I needed to hear.
The words to the following song explain why God would take the time to reach down and touch my life and yours, never chiding us for needing His assurances . . .
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the oceans dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Frederick M. Lehman
I pray that these words might be your “token of good” your “handful on purpose” from God today.