Surrounded by Favor

Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:12 (NIV)

There are days when we feel great about ourselves and everything around us, feeling like you could conquer the world. Then there are days when we feel defeated before we even get out of bed. The enemy asks us why are you even getting up, what good are you. However, we must remember that feelings are fickle, but God’s truth is unchanging.  

One of the truths that will strengthen us when we feel down is that God has given us favor. This means He blesses us in ways we don’t expect, and blessings we know we don’t deserve. He gives us opportunities we know we are not worthy of. He gives us favor we haven’t earned. He loves us so much that even in our unrighteousness He still gives us great grace and mercy. That’s favor! 

We know we have God’s favor because today’s scripture tells us He surrounds the righteous with favor “as with a shield.” You may not always feel righteous, but as a believer in Jesus, you are made righteous. He has made you righteous through His death on the cross, where He took your sins (past, present, and future). 

Even though the Bible says we have God’s favor, often we don’t act like we do. One reason we don’t tap into God’s blessings is we don’t believe we deserve them. Another reason is we haven’t been taught that God’s blessings can be ours. Consequently, we haven’t activated our faith in this area. So, we wander through life, taking whatever the devil throws at us without ever resisting him and claiming what is rightfully ours through Christ. 

Let’s expect and receive by faith the favor God has blessed us with.  

Prayer of the Day: Thank You, Jesus, for making me righteous and for the favor of God that rests on my life. Help me believe it and receive it. Help me to live a life of thanksgiving and a life that honors God.