2000-11-17 - God's Favor

Psalm 30:5, "...His favor is for a lifetime..."

There are many useful things to think about in the area of practical religion and faith in Christ. Some issues are matters of debate and others are matters of interest, but one is a matter of certainty - namely that life, lived in the favor of God, is good.

Many people reach times in their lives where they plead for God's favor. This is true of the atheist, peanut butter lover, agnostic, Hindu, animal owner, Christian, and every other persuasion that exists. At some point, everyone cries out to God and begs His favor. The very thought that they might be excluded from God's favor is distasteful to them. When they desire God's favor, when they need it, then they expect it, and in some cases, demand it.

Rich people are not above seeking God's favor. Poor people often feel that they are entitled to God's favor. Smart people and not-so-smart people all seek, desire and need God's favor. No one is above seeking God's favor. There is only one who is self-sufficient, and that is God Himself. This is why we seek His favor.

To be in the favor of God is something that is so important, and yet few think about it until they feel they are in need of it. Many are over-confident of securing God's favor when they need it, but never give Him another thought until the next need arises. This confidence is foolishness. They are self-deceivers.

The danger of being deceived in these things is great. However, the consequences are even greater. We live in such affluence and prosperity. We often find that our worldly comforts provide security and drown out our conscience. Lulling ourselves to sleep, we go on, and life in God's favor slips away.

God sends us wake-up calls throughout our lives. This is often when we cry out to God and again seek His favor. But God hears the prayers of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." And again, the righteous "...will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:43

Living life in God's favor is not a once-a-year event when we have "needs." The favor of God, as the verse in Psalms we started with says, is for a lifetime. And what more could we possibly desire but to live our lives in the favor of God? We have the promises of God's grace to encourage us as we live our lives. These promises are our hopes of success in living our lives in the favor of God. In the end, we look forward to living in Heaven with God. Living life in the favor of God is but the prelude to an eternity of living life in the presence and favor of God. Let us begin this day to seek the favor of the Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

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