Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to live as a favored child of God? Well, it is, and answering a few more questions will help us unpack this blessing.
What is the favor of God?
Favor comes when someone takes notice of you and turns his gaze on you. God’s favor is primarily expressed as His unfailing, unconditional love for you. It’s His attitude of grace toward you, and it’s your position as the one who receives His love and blessing.
The phrase, “find favor in your eyes,” is used more than forty times in the Old Testament. The words ‘favor’ and ‘grace’ are usually interchangeable in the Scriptures. ‘Favor’ is used more commonly in the Old Testament while ‘grace’ is used in the New Testament.
Where do we find His favor?
To find someone’s favor we must first seek their face or their full attention. David said, “‘Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious (favorable) to me and answer me.’ When You said to me, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart answered, ‘Your face, O LORD, I will seek’” (Psalm 27:7-8 from NASB). David knew his salvation was found only in the grace/favor of God. He knew that being face to face with God gave him God’s full attention and therefore God’s full deliverance from his enemies.
Aaron blessed the children of Israel, including New Covenant children as well, with, “The LORD bless you, and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious (favorable) to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-27, NASB). The light of the Father’s face shines the light of His favor on us. Jesus is that Light. If we have seen Him, we have seen the Father. He is the best demonstration of the Father’s favor.
How can we experience God’s favor every day?
As we seek the Father’s face each day, He is looking for our full attention. We drop all pretense, excuse, demand, fear, and shame when we look into His eyes. In fact, the only thing that can obscure His face is our sin. Even then, His grace provides forgiveness. Like David, we know our salvation is found only in His grace, in His favor.
That grace/favor is the constant in our lives. We don’t earn it or deserve it; He gives it to us freely, lavishly. We can now live in the confidence that our Father’s favor is something we have. Like His mercy, His favor is renewed every morning. We live out of His favor, not for it. We have the settled assurance that His favor lasts our entire lifetime.
Pray with me: Father, thank You for lavishing Your favor on us each day. Please give us eyes to see the truth You are showing us and hearts willing to believe and obey. Amen.
~ Peggy Lundy, Writer
~ Caitlin Spaulding, Photographer
www.caitlinrheaphotography.com
