The Basis of God’s Favor in Our Lives
Defining Favor
Favor can be understood as a demonstration of God’s approval, kindness, or support toward His people. Biblically, favor is the unmerited grace and goodness of God bestowed upon His children. It is not earned but freely given, and it is a hallmark of His covenant relationship with us.
Psalm 5:12 declares, “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.” This verse reveals God’s favor as both a blessing and a protection, encircling those who trust in Him. Favor signifies God’s intentional turning toward us, showing His grace and granting us His peace.
The High Priestly Prayer: The Foundation of Favor
The basis of God’s favor is beautifully encapsulated in the Aaronic blessing, as recorded in Numbers 6:24–26:
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
This prayer, ordained by God for the Israelites, conveys the essence of His favor:
- The LORD bless you and keep you: God’s favor involves His blessings and His protective care over us (Psalm 121:7–8).
- The LORD make His face shine upon you: This refers to God’s favorable disposition, much like the warmth and radiance of His presence, filling us with joy and confidence (Psalm 16:11).
- The LORD be gracious to you: Favor flows from God’s grace, His undeserved kindness towards us (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace: This portrays God looking at us with approval, granting us inner tranquility and assurance (Isaiah 26:3).
A Relatable Example of Favor
Imagine you urgently need to see a renowned specialist, but their schedule is fully booked for months. You don’t know anyone with influence, so you resign yourself to waiting. Suddenly, you receive a call from the clinic: “The doctor has an opening tomorrow at noon. We thought of you first.”
Surprised, you ask how this happened. They reply, “We saw your name, and for some reason, it just felt right to prioritize you.” Without you lifting a finger, the door you thought was closed swings wide open.
This is a glimpse of God’s favor in action. It’s His unmerited grace arranging circumstances, moving hearts, and positioning you where you need to be. Just as in this scenario, when God’s face shines upon you, His favor works in your life in ways that no human effort can replicate (Proverbs 21:1).
Understanding God’s Favor Through Christ
Before Jesus’ sacrifice, humanity was alienated from God, unable to enter His presence or experience His favor. Sin caused His face to be turned away, leaving us under His judgment (Isaiah 59:2). However, Jesus’ work on the cross changed everything.
At the cross, Jesus bore the rejection we deserved so we could be accepted. He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, the Father turned His face away from His Son because Jesus became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Because of this ultimate sacrifice, we now enjoy unbroken access to God’s favor. As Romans 5:1–2 affirms, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” God’s favor is a gift of grace secured through Christ’s finished work.
Walking in God’s Favor
The favor of God is constant and eternal. Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life.” This means His favor cannot wane or fade because it is not based on our performance but on His grace.
When we doubt God’s favor, it often stems from a lack of understanding or faith in His promises. The truth is, His face is always shining upon us in Christ. Ephesians 1:6 says, “to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
A Prayer for God’s Favor
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your unmerited favor upon our lives. Thank You for blessing us, keeping us, and causing Your face to shine upon us. We acknowledge that Your favor is a gift of grace, purchased for us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Lord, help us to walk confidently in Your favor, knowing that Your approval and peace are not based on our works but on Your love and mercy. Let Your favor surround us as a shield, opening doors no man can shut, and granting us success in all that aligns with Your will.
We pray for all who read this today. May they experience the fullness of Your favor in their lives. Let them feel Your gracious presence, sense Your peace, and walk boldly in the joy of being accepted in You. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
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