Finding Favor With God

For Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt Thou compass him as with a shield, (Psalm 5:12).

A good man obtains favor of the LORD (Proverbs 12:2).

When favor is found with God, it is the perfect indication that He is pleased with one’s life. What is favor? It is defined as goodwill, approval or support for someone or something.  God’s favor is enrichment for the righteous that extends beyond entitlement. God favors those who find pleasure in worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth. The person who is delighted to worship God and lives up to His expectations is acceptable to Him and acquires favor in His sight. To achieve God’s favor is to prove one’s self to be faithful and true to Him in every aspect of life. 

God’s favor is a covering from the destruction of the enemy for the righteous. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was sold into slavery, and later locked away in prison.  But, by his dedicated and sanctified life he obtained favor with God and man. God made him to be abundantly prosperous. He was so well-favored that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake, and the blessings of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field,” (Gen. 39:5). Joseph was so approved by God that he was made to be a leader, even when he was in prison. 

God favored Abraham so plentifully because he obeyed the voice of God that He made his seed to multiply as the stars of Heaven. Abraham kept God’s charge, His commandments, His statues, and His laws (Genesis 26:4-5). 

Mary, the mother of Jesus lived on earth just as we do today, going about her daily activities. She had such a pure heart towards God that she not only found favor with Him, but she was highly favored by Him. Her favor with God was so profound that He used her to bring forth His Only and Holy Son into the world. Thereafter, when Jesus came to earth, He Himself “increased in Favor with God and man,” (Luke 2:52). 

Noah found grace in the sight of God, because “He was a just man, (he displayed respect for what was morally right), he was perfect in his generations and he walked with God,” (Genesis 6:9).

God has “no respect of person,” (Romans 2:11). The same favor that was extended to men and women of old is available to us today. Whether one has or has not, whether one is the wealthiest of the wealthy or the poorest of the poor, favor can be found with God. 

The grace of God is extended to everyone and with it an invitation to accept His favor. However, some will not obtain God’s favor because of the lack of a pure heart towards Him. When absolute righteousness is proven with God it invokes His favor. Many people crave the favor of God, but do not demonstrate regard for Him or His Word. Without respect for Him and His Word, there is no favor with God. 

Finding favor with men often involves living up to their expectations, which may not be spiritually favorable. Man’s favor can therefore become unstable and disappointing. God’s favor, in contrast, is enduring, unending, and everlasting. 

Obtaining favor with God does not mean we will not suffer difficulties, but even with difficulties, the grace of God is present to see us through. Life is not always a smooth sailing experience.  There are some mountain-top days and some low-valley days, but the favor of God is a remarkable comfort during the days when one might be disheartened.    There is no favor greater than God’s favor to be found. 

Although God’s favor is available to all humanity, it only rests upon those who live according to His plan. No one can live in iniquity or sin, outside of God’s will, and receive His divine favor. Why?  Because, God hates iniquity, which is the brightest contrast to God’s divine favor. The person who commits iniquity is the one who is unfavorable to God. If sin is the image that lieth at the door, it is certainly the likeness that lives inside. The most favorable thing anyone can do is to seek the favor of God. To seek it is to find it!

Prayer is key: Dear Lord, I thank You for Your favor. I ask that You help me to keep a clean heart and to continue to live an acceptable life unto You.  My desire is to continually possess Your favor, and that with abundant increase. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.