"For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield." - Psalm 5:12
This verse from Psalm 5:12 offers a vivid image of God’s favor as a protective shield that surrounds and blesses the righteous. It's a powerful reminder that as believers, we are enveloped by God’s grace, a force that both guards and provides for us in every aspect of our lives. But what does it truly mean to be "surrounded by favor," and how can we live in the reality of this divine promise?
The Nature of God’s Favor
God's favor is not something we earn or achieve through our own efforts. It’s a gift that flows from His character—a reflection of His love, grace, and mercy. Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking that God’s favor is reserved for those who have done something extraordinary or lived a life free from mistakes. However, the Bible makes it clear that God’s favor is not based on our performance but on His unchanging goodness.
The favor of God is His divine kindness and support. It is His active presence in our lives, guiding us, protecting us, and ensuring that His purposes for us are fulfilled. In Psalm 5:12, the imagery of favor as a shield suggests not only protection from harm but also the assurance that we are always in God's care, no matter what challenges we face.
Overcoming the Lie of Unworthiness
One of the most common struggles Christians face is the feeling of unworthiness. Many believers feel they don’t deserve God’s favor because of past mistakes, ongoing struggles, or hardships they’ve encountered. This sense of unworthiness can lead to a life lived in spiritual defeat, where we feel distanced from God’s blessings and isolated from His grace.
But here’s the truth: none of us deserve God’s favor based on our actions. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." However, the beauty of the Gospel is that our relationship with God is not based on our righteousness but on His. Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice, has made us worthy to receive all the blessings and favor that God has to offer.
Colossians 1:12 encourages us to "give joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light." This verse is a powerful reminder that it is God who qualifies us, not our deeds. We are partakers of His blessings because He has made us worthy through Jesus Christ. When we embrace this truth, we can confidently expect God’s favor in our lives, knowing it’s not something we have to earn but a gift freely given by our loving Father.
Rejecting Negative Thoughts
The enemy often uses feelings of shame and inadequacy to keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s favor. He whispers lies that tell us we are unworthy, that our past disqualifies us, or that God’s blessings are out of reach. These thoughts can become barriers that prevent us from stepping into the abundance that God has promised us.
It’s essential to recognize that these negative thoughts are not from God. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The enemy seeks to steal our joy, destroy our hope, and rob us of the peace that comes from knowing we are favored by God.
To combat these lies, we must actively replace them with the truth of God’s Word. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us that "in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." This verse assures us that through Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are no longer defined by our past but by the grace and favor of God.
Aligning with God’s Word
Living in the reality of God’s favor requires a deliberate alignment with His Word. This means not only reading and understanding the promises of God but also speaking them over our lives. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Our words have the power to shape our reality, and when we speak in agreement with God’s promises, we begin to see those promises manifest in our lives.
Each day, start by thanking God for His favor. Acknowledge that His favor is surrounding you like a shield, protecting you from harm and guiding you toward His best. As you do this, you will begin to notice a shift in your mindset. Where there was once doubt and fear, there will be confidence and peace. Where there was once a sense of unworthiness, there will be a profound understanding of your identity in Christ.
When negative thoughts or doubts arise, don’t let them take root. Instead, counter them with the truth of God’s Word. Declare that you are favored by God, that His blessings are chasing you down, and that His plans for your life are good. This active stance of faith will not only transform your thinking but also open the door for God’s favor to flow more freely in your life.
Expecting God’s Favor
Expectation is a powerful force. When we expect good things, we position ourselves to receive them. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This kind of faith is rooted in the belief that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised to do.
Expecting God’s favor means looking for His blessings in every situation. It means trusting that He is working all things together for your good, even when you can’t see it yet. Romans 8:28 assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." This verse is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, God’s favor is at work in our lives, bringing about His perfect plan.
When you live with an expectation of God’s favor, you begin to see it in places you might not have noticed before. You start to recognize His hand in the details of your life, from the smallest blessings to the most significant breakthroughs. This awareness creates a cycle of gratitude and faith, where each experience of God’s favor fuels your expectation for more.
Living in God’s Favor
Living in God’s favor doesn’t mean that life will be without challenges. Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." God’s favor doesn’t eliminate the trials we face, but it does give us the assurance that we are not alone in them. His favor surrounds us, providing protection, guidance, and strength in every circumstance.
Psalm 23:6 beautifully captures the essence of living in God’s favor: "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." This verse is a declaration of faith that God’s favor will be with us every step of the way, not just in the good times but in every season of life.
To live in God’s favor is to walk in the confidence that comes from knowing we are loved, chosen, and blessed by our Heavenly Father. It’s to embrace the truth that His grace is sufficient for us, and that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). It’s to rest in the assurance that no matter what we face, God’s favor is our shield, our protection, and our source of every good thing.
Conclusion: Embrace the Shield of Favor
God’s favor is a gift, a shield that surrounds and protects us. It’s not something we earn or deserve; it’s a manifestation of His love and grace. As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this favor, to embrace it, expect it, and speak it over our lives.
Let go of any feelings of unworthiness or shame that hold you back from experiencing the fullness of God’s favor. Reject the lies of the enemy and align your thoughts and words with the truth of God’s Word. Begin each day with a heart full of gratitude, declaring that you are surrounded by God’s favor like a shield.
Expect good things to happen, not because of anything you’ve done, but because of who God is. Trust that His favor is working in your life, bringing about His perfect will. And as you walk in this divine favor, you will experience the peace, joy, and blessings that come from being in the center of God’s will.
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