-Strenght for Today- “The Favor of God.” - Psalm 30:5.

God’s favor is a big deal, it’s right up there with “faith,” “grace,” and “the mercy of God.”  “Favor is mentioned in the Bible over 70 times,” and “you’ll find that everyone greatly used by God experienced His favor.” You see, God’s favor is “the guarantee of His presence and the provision of His power to accomplish His special purpose in and through our lives.” And it's not just intended for our convenience, but “for His purpose,” and it doesn’t mean “that our lives are going to be easier.” Matter of fact, “favor almost certainly guarantees that our lives are going to get harder.” 

For example: 

•  Noah found God’s favor in the form of an ark that he built to preserve the human race.  
• Joseph faced difficulty everywhere he went, but he found favor with God, who was with him in every season of his life, and  
• Jesus was the perfect example of finding His Father’s favor, but it ultimately led to His death. 

So, the point to all these examples is that “none of what they accomplished would’ve been possible without the favor of God.” The same is true for us today in that, “we need God’s favor to do what He’s calling us to do.” Now we can’t “manipulate His favor, however, “there’re ways to better position ourselves to receive God’s favor.” 

The same is true for you today. You need God’s favor to do what He’s calling you to do. And while you can’t achieve or manipulate it, “there’re ways to better position ourselves to receive God’s favor.” Not only that, by standing on faith, (Hebrews 11:6), we can expect God’s favor.” Psalm 30: 5 says: “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” so, we can “count on Him to give us the favor we need in every season of our lives.” If everything is going well right now,  

• Thank God for this season of tangible blessings. 
•  Yet don’t feel entitled to this favor, because  
• You didn’t earn it.  

Without God, it would all be impossible. So, keep walking in faith, and remain in His favor. But if favor “seems elusive” like “that of a monarch butterfly,” don’t give up. Just remember that “favor is never bound by circumstances” and “just like a bloodhound,” “favor will track you down,” and “bless you, even in the hardest of times.” So, even if you feel trapped in “a dysfunctional situation,” God’s favor is still there. So, never stop looking for it! 

So, today, “we need pay attention to what,” or who God has in front of us.” And when we pray for His favor, He’ll respond with an opportunity “to bless us,” and most importantly, “bring glory to His name.” But our obedience will determine “whether or not our walk warrants the blessings of that favor.” So, if you truly want to walk in God’s favor, “it’s not about who you are,” but “Who’s inside of you.” Obey Him today and know “that wherever God leads you, His favor will follow!” 

 Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr.PhD